As If! Behind the Scenes of My Clueless-Themed Party

When Sarah, Rachel, Margaret, and Maja first reached out about a Clueless-themed dinner for Pelham’s annual Novel Night, I knew it was going to be something special.

For anyone outside the area — Novel Night is a beloved local fundraiser where about twenty homes across Pelham each host a themed dinner party (think Clueless, The Great Gatsby, Barbie, The Godfather), and afterward, everyone comes together for one big community after-party. It’s a tradition that brings the whole town to life, and every two years, guests go all in — costumes, décor, menus, everything.

“Taco ‘Bout Fabulous”

Elegant Clueless Themed Dinner Table Setup designed by chef jaime jeffrey for novel night pelham 2025

This year, their usual local caterer was already booked, which opened the door for me to step in and bring something a little different to the table. The hosts were looking for a chef who could capture the theme while adding an elevated, creative touch — and it turned out to be the perfect opportunity to showcase what I do best.

Together, we started brainstorming ways to bring their Clueless vision to life, and from the very beginning, it was clear they had a creative spark that was going to make this event unforgettable.

What started as a fun idea quickly turned into full-on planning mode. This wasn’t just about food — it was about creating a vibe. We built a menu that nodded to Beverly Hills glam while still being totally approachable: sushi, tacos, a show-Stopping Charcuterie table, and of course — themed hors d’oeuvres that tied everything together.

Our small bites were cheeky, fun, and totally “as if.” On the menu were “You’re a Snacc” Chicken & Waffles, Clueless Corn Fritters, Dion’s Dumplings, “Ugh, As If” Sliders, and the Monet Flatbread (because, let’s be honest, “she’s a total Monet — looks good from far away”). Every name, every flavor, every garnish was designed to make people smile before the first bite.

Hors D’ Oeuvres

Clueless Themed Hors D’ Oeuvres by Chef Jaime Jeffrey. For a private dinner party in Pelham, NY

On the day of the event,, my event-day dream team showed up and showed out: Amoy (Sous Chef), Ellen, Kim, and Helga (Assistants). Together, we put our best foot forward and wooed the residents of Pelham. The kitchen was buzzing with energy — trays of tiny bites, sauces cooling, platters gleaming — and the air smelled like anticipation (and maybe a little stress). By the time guests arrived, the space had transformed into a scene straight out of Cher’s Beverly Hills mansion — colorful, indulgent, and so much fun.

By Monday, though… I was done. I posted a recap video that morning, completely exhausted and still in that post-event haze. I remember thinking, “Ugh, I’m not crazy about this one.” But now, looking back, I see it differently. That exhaustion was part of the story — part of what it takes to create something special from scratch.

So yes, I’ll be reposting a new video soon — with a fresh edit and fresh perspective — because sometimes you need a little distance to see how magical the Process really was.

After the event, the hosts told me how much they loved not only the food but the whole experience — that it felt “a little more upscale” than what they’d had in the past. Hearing that meant a lot to me. Pelham is such a close-knit community with incredible local talent, so to have my name now circulating in that market feels incredibly rewarding.

This event reminded me why I do what I do. The creativity, the transformation of an idea into an experience, the joy on guests’ faces — and the satisfaction of knowing that even after the lights go out and the kitchen is clean, the memories live on.

Having A Seat at My Table means giving every ounce of yourself to make someone else’s moment shine — even if by the end, all you want is sleep and maybe a foot massage. 💛