The award-winning actress and her cookbook co-author, Courtney McBroom, share top tips for stress-free celebrations.
From the glitz of award show afterparties to an annual hot dog appreciation festival that she co-hosts, Brie Larson—Oscar-winning actress and star of the movie Captain Marvel and others in the greater Marvel franchise—is no stranger to a party. She inherited a love of hosting from her mother, who would plan Indiana Jones-themed birthday parties and fabulous soirees with Goodwill art auctions. That love of everyday celebrations is why she connected with chef and cookbook author Courtney McBroom over melty queso. The duo would go on to write Party People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations.
Larson and McBroom share the philosophy that connection should be at the center of the party, not fancy decorations or over-the-top entertainment. And research backs up their way of thinking. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that friendships can help people cope with stress and trauma, lower blood pressure, and even help you live longer. Their cookbook emphasizes that there’s always a reason to celebrate and reap the rewards that socializing brings—but it doesn’t always have to be a big to-do.
That’s why they are collaborating with Repurpose, a company that produces sustainable party supplies and home goods. They’re teaming up to produce trendy compostable stemless cups that make hosting a little bit easier. The cute cups save hosts from the stress of washing dishes or of the guilt of single-use plastic cups. The 12-ounce glasses are also BPA-free and have no added PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” so you can make a healthy choice for your body and the planet.
It’s all part of Larson and McBroom’s balanced approach to both hosting and wellness that they shared with The Healthy. Keep reading to pick up more tips on low-stress hosting and how they say being eco-conscious overlaps with health and wellness.
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The Healthy: We’re super interested in your product launch—some of us are the type who wash plastic cups and Ziploc bags until they’re run ragged. We also know you both are hostess extraordinaires. Before you launched these products, did hosting make you feel a little guilty about the waste?
Brie Larson: Well, first of all, we love to hear that your team has been so excited about this product collaboration! Repurpose stemless cups were the perfect fit for the Party People Cookbook—they’re 100% plant-based, non-toxic, and really complement the cocktails from the book.
Courtney McBroom: I totally agree here—I used to think being sustainable was all or nothing. One of the goals of our cookbook was to make hosting less stressful and more meaningful, and the Repurpose cups make it really easy to be more sustainable without a second thought. And the design is pretty cute, too, if we do say so ourselves!
The Healthy: When would you say you became eco-conscious? Do you see a connection between that way of living and your health?
Courtney McBroom: I think, just like sustainability, [health is] all an ever-evolving process. The more you experience and learn, the more you feel compelled to make changes. As a chef, I’ve definitely made an effort to go for more sustainably-sourced food options. And I can tell a difference in the way I feel after I fuel myself with those meals. Brie and I are all about balance, though—we love a cheese-filled appetizer or a late-night run to Taco Bell, but it’s all about being mindful and understanding what works best for you and your body!
Brie Larson: I feel like people have a lot of expectations when it comes to eco-consciousness and like Courtney said, it’s a process. I love a fresh salad or some salmon, but I also can’t help myself when it comes to Courtney’s chile con queso dip.
The Healthy: Do you have your sights on any fresh starts or mindsets this year?
Courtney McBroom: As a true party person, I’m always in search of balance, walking the line between excess and restraint. In the past, any time I fell too hard in either direction, I’d be so hard on myself. This year, as I continue to work towards balance, I also want to work on accepting myself for who I am: a person of extremes. Everything in moderation, including moderation!
Brie Larson: I’m looking to have more gatherings. Sometimes I go too “extra” with the menu and theme, so in order to host more, I’m doing less. Let things be casual, don’t overplan, and lean into potlucks and sustainable dishware!
The Healthy: Gathering with friends over good food and drink is always a mood booster. In your opinion, how do you think coming together with friends contributes to overall wellness?
Courtney McBroom: A main message of [our] cookbook is to ditch the idea of perfection and just focus on getting everyone together and having a good time, together. You’ve heard the saying laughter is the best medicine, and who makes you laugh more than some of your best friends? Connecting with people over great memories (and some delicious food) is the perfect recipe for overall wellness.
Brie Larson: Connection is so important for wellness. So, as we say in the cookbook, pick a reason, any reason, to throw a party and spend some quality time with your people!
The Healthy: What’s next for you as “Party People”?
Brie Larson: Encouraging people to give themselves permission to fail and be chaotic. We hope to continue to transform hosting from a performance into an act of self‑care that doesn’t need to be complicated.
Courtney McBroom: There is a growing basic human need for connection, that does not have to be aesthetically pleasing but is practical and cost-effective. Everyone should feel welcome exactly as they are and we want to encourage everyone to find reasons to celebrate!
The Healthy: Finally, what’s a self-care habit you refuse to skip?
Brie Larson: Even the most lively [hosts] need a break every once in a while. I fully give myself permission to sit on the couch in my most comfy clothes and watch some TV with zero expectations. It’s healthy to spend some time alone and take a break from the hosting hustle, and I think more people should schedule a party of one for themselves!
Courtney McBroom: I try to get as much rest as possible that night and the next morning. I’ve just recently given myself permission to nap and it’s a game-changer. When I wake up, I like to take it slow with a cooling face mask and a huge glass of our After Party People Detox Elixir drink.
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This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
