Peter Som’s House Rules—Pull Up a Chair, Wear the Caftan, and Sing Off-Key

For the fashion designer and cookbook author, hosting a dinner party is all about easy elegance—and a big dose of self-expression.

Published on June 18, 2025

Throughout more than two decades as a fashion designer, Peter Som has always felt most grounded in the kitchen. “I’d come home from a runway show and start cooking—it was my therapy,” says Peter, who inherited a love of cooking from his mother and grandmother.

Now, he’s leaning into that passion with his first cookbook, Family Style, which is full of inventive, delicious recipes that are meant to be shared. “Serving family-style is easier because you’re only plating a few big, beautiful dishes,” he says. “Plus, it just makes a gathering more relaxed.” Here, he shares his easy, effusive approach to entertaining.

Peter Som's House Rules

Q: If you were to hang a list of rules in your home, what would they be?

Come as you are. No need to impress—just bring your beautiful self.
There’s always room at the table. Pull up a chair, whether it’s for dinner, a story, or just a glass of wine.
Fashion is fun—wear the caftan. Or sequins. Or both. Life’s too short not to.
Food is love. Seconds are encouraged, and recipes are meant to be shared.
Light the candles, even on a Tuesday. Everyday elegance is my favorite kind.
Play your playlist loud and sing along. Off-key is totally fine.
Be kind, be curious. And a dose of fun gossip doesn't hurt either.
There’s always enough wine. Enough said.
And always have a few pints of ice cream in the freezer. You never know.

Q: What's the one thing that makes your house feel like a home?

The smell of something simmering on the stove—garlic, ginger, soy, or even the aroma of roasted chicken or vegetables. It takes me right back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom and grandma were always cooking, always welcoming. That scent, that warmth—it’s memory, comfort, and love all rolled into one.

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Peter Som

Q: What's the one thing a guest should do to be invited back?

Bring good energy. Literally, that’s it. Good vibes, good conversation, and a genuine spirit go a long way.

Q: What house rules did you grow up with?

No elbows on the dinner table (my mom would joke that this was rule #485), always eat your vegetables, and wait till everyone has their food before digging in. Oh—and always make your bed.

Peter Som

I inherited my mother and grandmother’s philosophy that everyone’s invited.

When I host a party, there’s always room for extra guests at the table.

— Peter Som

Q: When you're cooking, do you like the kitchen to yourself or are you ok with having guests help?

When I’m hosting, I actually love it when guests wander into the kitchen. There’s something warm and real about friends chatting, sipping wine, maybe helping slice something or sneak a bite. I like things organized, but I’m not precious about it—the kitchen’s meant to be lived in. Just maybe don’t rearrange my spice drawer. And I never want guests to do the dishes, no matter how much they offer—you’re here to have a great time, not load my dishwasher!

Q: How do you unwind after a long day?

After a long day, I unwind by cooking something simple—maybe noodles with whatever’s in the fridge or a soft egg scramble with herbs. I don’t usually drink at home unless I have company, so I’ll have some tea, put on a playlist. It’s my little reset ritual—nothing fancy—just truly a moment to exhale.