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 and brand collaborations. I’ve been featured in Celebrate magazine, Woman’s World, Cottages & Bungalows, Yum Food & Fun for Kids, Ocala Style, BHG, HGTV.com, 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.

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 interesting details, and offer delicious food & cocktails!

What Sets Me Apart?

In a crowded space on the web where everyone’s an “expert,” my decades of knowledge and practice give me insight you can trust. My unique point of view, and my personal style are what make me stand out. I started this blog to share my real world experience and passion as a host, and while there are many rules we entertaining gurus agree upon, I also try to dispel some longstanding myths where applicable.

I like to say that 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 towards entertaining a little different from other southern hosts. For instance I believe cocktails are an essential food group, every party should end with a dance party, and good conversation IS the activity at gatherings.

My approach is not about perfection, but about fun and balance. You may follow a clean eating lifestyle, but when it comes to party food, the diet gives way to rich indulgent dishes – and convenience! You don’t need to spend $100 on a floral centerpiece either; especially when that money could be better spent on food or drinks. However, the occasional splurge on caviar or special activities is welcome!

So if stylish entertaining with easy menus is what you’re interested in, welcome to Celebrations At Home!

About Celebrations At Home

Celebrations At Home is one of the original food lifestyle sites focusing on 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 classic 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 the occasional homemade muffins, or making the best fudge brownies from scratch.

If you love appetizer parties with 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.