Chris Nease - Entertaining Expert, Food Photographer, Content Creator

About Chris

Hi! I’m Chris, a home entertaining expert, digital content creator, and food photographer. For over 25 years I’ve been cooking, hosting, and designing parties and small events for friends, clients, and charity organizations.

In addition to being the founder of Celebrations At Home, I’ve shared my expertise through freelance contributions, expert interviews, brand collaborations, and I authored the ultimate guide for holiday party planning with the eBook Christmas Entertaining Simplified. I also volunteer my time to Operation Shower, a non-profit organization that hosts baby shower events for military families.

woman holding dutch oven next to fall tablescape.

I live in Richmond, Virginia with my husband, and have two grown children. My philosophy is that every party should include the right mix of people, have at least 1 interesting detail, offer delicious food, cocktails, and a great playlist.

What Sets Me Apart?

In a crowded space where everyone’s an “expert” and AI regurgitates information, my decades of experience and practice give me knowledge and insight you can trust. My style and point of view are unique and I don’t always follow “the rules”. I started this blog to share my passion as a host, and while there are many principles we entertaining gurus agree upon, I also try to dispel some longstanding myths where applicable.

I’m from the South, but I’m no southern belle. While I commonly share the recipes I grew up on, I think you’ll find my aesthetic and attitude a little different from other southern hosts. For instance, I believe in a curated guest list rather than “everyone’s invited,” ease and convenience over “made from scratch,” and adults-only parties are the norm, not the exception.

My approach is more about fun and balance – think classic entertaining with a modern twist, Gen-X style. You may follow a clean eating lifestyle, but when it comes to party food, the diet gives way to rich indulgent dishes. You don’t need to spend $100 on a floral centerpiece either; especially when that money could be better spent on food and drinks. However, the occasional splurge on caviar or a special experience is always welcome.

I believe cocktails are essential, appetizers are a meal, every party should end with a dance party, and good conversation IS the activity at gatherings. So if stylish entertaining with easy menus is what you’re interested in, welcome to Celebrations At Home!

As Seen In:

Some places I’ve been featured include Celebrate magazine, Woman’s World magazine, Allrecipes, BHG, Parade, Apartment Guide, HGTV.com, and Heart Filled Holidays podcast:

Just click the arrow to listen. My segment begins at the 15:45 mark and is about 20 minutes with a commercial break in between.

Chris Talks Home Entertaining:

About Celebrations At Home

Celebrations At Home is one of the original lifestyle sites focusing on food and home entertaining. Founded in 2008 to share my favorite recipes, cocktails, party ideas, tips, and tablescapes, it has remained a go-to resource for approachable planning and advice.

Since food plays a key role in the party experience, CAH showcases recipes that are delicious and easy, as well as creative serving suggestions. You’ll find a mix of tried and true appetizers, easy menus to serve guests, and some updated food ideas that deserve a spot on your table.

And because we all lead busy lives, many of the recipes are semi-homemade or use convenience ingredients. Although I’m not opposed to making the occasional homemade muffins, or the best fudge brownies from scratch.

If you love appetizer parties and finger food, cocktail parties with friends, seasonal themed dinner parties, or holiday gatherings with family, you’re my people!

CAH is available to works with brands and campaigns to bring awareness to readers through an entertaining setting. Some partners have included Wines of Italy, ALDI, BHG products at Walmart, Duraflame, BalloonTime, Mozaik Tableware, Universal Pictures, Martha Stewart, Hayneedle.com, and more.