What makes a great bash? Partygoers and throwers share their favourite memories, advice, and stories from their most memorable events. From intimate dinners to grand galas, these social regulars from across Canada offer a unique insight into the art of celebration. This article explores the highlights from some of the most engaging parties, and the key ingredients that make them successful and memorable.

Moez Kassam

Moez Kassam, a Toronto-based hedge fund manager and philanthropist, shares a fond memory of a birthday party he threw for his wife. The celebration, held in Muskoka, featured live music and a culinary highlight – a 100-pound tuna prepared by Miku Toronto’s head chef. His advice for a successful party? Offer a “wow” experience that leads engagement and gets people excited in advance.

Catherine Nugent

Catherine Nugent, a Toronto-based social doyenne, fondly recalls a party she threw years ago for Town & Country magazine. Her advice for memorable celebrations is to use decoration to transport people. For example, she once decorated her home with spring flowers to give her guests a warm, tropical escape during the winter.

Ore Sami

Ore Sami, founder and creative director of Sample Chief, cherishes the memory of the Village Boogie series’ inaugural event in Toronto. The celebration of African music and culture attracted a vibrant crowd of Black faces, all dressed to impress. His party-throwing advice is to put oneself in the guests’ shoes and curate music that would get them dancing and feeling happy.

Kaelen Haworth

Kaelen Haworth, founder and creative director at Absolutely Fabrics, loves an intergenerational holiday party. Her favourite memory is of a Christmas party that unexpectedly turned into a karaoke session. Her advice is to add a surprise element to the event to make it feel warm and intimate.

Christie Garofalo

Vancouver-based philanthropist Christie Garofalo’s favourite party was a charity event for the annual BC Women’s Health Foundation Glow Gala. Her advice for a successful gathering is to relax and enjoy the moment, making sure all preparations are done in advance.

Jimmy Molloy

Real estate professional Jimmy Molloy recalls Ted Rogers’s 75th birthday party as the best he attended. His advice for a great party is to build a diverse guest list and allow for an atmosphere of relaxation and fun.

Chantal Durivage

Chantal Durivage, co-founder of the M.A.D. Festival, reminisces about the 25th anniversary celebration of the festival. Her advice for a successful party is to craft an invitation that encapsulates the emotion you want your guests to feel at your event.

Daniel Abichandani

Daniel Abichandani, partner at EY, fondly remembers the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Art Bash in 2022. His advice is to provide an element of fashion and fun at events and to give people an excuse to dress up.

Kelly Streit

Kelly Streit, founder of Mode Models International, shares his favourite party memory from a LOOK Gala, celebrating Dadaism. His advice for a great guest is to be in good spirits and make others feel good.

These interviews provide a glimpse into the art of celebration, offering practical advice and inspiration for anyone planning their next gathering. Creating memorable experiences, it seems, is all about attention to detail, a sense of fun, and a thoughtful consideration for one’s guests.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

See Full Bio