Here’s How to Get Back into Hosting

Hosting is fun, but it’s also a skill. If you haven’t had a dinner party or get-together at your home for a while, you might be a bit rusty. Bottom line: you want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and has a good time, including yourself. Here’s some tips to help you get your party-hosting groove back.

Entertaining Refresher

Any gathering that exceeds just your immediate family will need a bit of party planning. Make sure to give yourself enough time (at least a week in advance) to consider and implement the following items.

Keep it Small-ish

While you may want to invite everyone in your contacts, it’s best to keep the guest list on the smaller side. Take it slow, don’t overcomplicate things, and ease back into hosting a party. Any hiccups are easier to address with a small group than a house full of people.

Deep Cleaning

Turn your housekeeping radar back up to high. Take a look at the rooms where you plan to have your guests and give them a good deep cleaning. Include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and even touching up some paint in areas that may have taken a beating.

Inventory Every Room

Declutter any rooms that may be overrun with items that don’t belong such as kids’ toys, computers, books, etc. As you’re deep cleaning you may find some things that need replacing or replenishing such as: 

Additional Personal Care Items

Hand sanitizer has become as common as hand soap so ensure that you stock up on both for the guest bathroom. You can also place additional bottles of hand sanitizer in discreet places around your home.

Entertaining Al Fresco

Consider hosting your dinner party outdoors but be sure you have the accessories that will enhance the al fresco get-together. These can include: 

Seating Plan

Set couches and chairs apart where possible and give people enough personal space at the dining room table so everyone feels comfortable.

Presentation & Serving

Think about your dinner party menu in advance so that you have an idea of how to present and serve. Food stations and hors d'oeuvre trays are good options, but you may want to assign servers to dole out the portions (step forward teenage kids!). A sit-down meal is fine too, but plate and serve early so your guests don’t get hungry.

Early Setup

Do as much as you can in advance so that you aren’t running around on the night of your get-together. This includes setting up furniture, decorating, and prepping food.

Make Your Event Memorable

You don’t have to blow the budget on extras or make it super fancy, but there’s a few things you can do to make your event more memorable.

Give Your Event a Theme

Party themes can be as simple or as creative as you wish. Pick a favourite city such as “An Evening in Paris” where you serve food and drink from that region. Or base your party theme on a colour such as Black and White, where all your décor matches the theme.

Invitations

Whether you’re creating a party theme or not, party invitations set the tone for your guests. This can be an electronic invite or an actual mailed invitation. If you are having a theme, an invitation is the best way to kick things off and get your guests excited.

Add Flowers & Greenery

Flowers and greenery are always a welcome touch and add life to your tables and other strategic areas around your home. If your event has a theme, make sure to add flowers that complement it, such as white carnations or Calla lilies for a Black and White theme.

Lighting

No one wants to walk into a room with harsh, bright lights. Whether your event is being held indoors or outdoors think about creative party lighting and adding candles to create ambience.

Music

While your guests may not be ready to bust a move on the dance floor you can still put together a fun playlist. If you have a theme for your evening, ensure that the music selections enhance the theme. For example, if you are having a Vegas-themed event, make sure to include a few Elvis songs.

Other Considerations for Getting Back into Hosting

Take a moment to check in on your guests to ensure they’re enjoying themselves. Here’s a few other “good host” tips.

Be Present

Remember to engage with your guests. Take time to chat with your friends, and sit and eat with your guests so they feel like you are part of the action and not just directing from the sidelines.

Make Introductions

If you’ve invited a variety of friends from different social circles, be sure to make proper introductions. Mention a common interest or noteworthy item about one of your guests to get the conversation started.

Food Allergies & Preferences

If possible, find out in advance if any of your guests have food allergies or preferences. Be sure to have plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians if present and label any food trays accordingly.

Safe Way Home

Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options available for guests, and ensure designated drivers, cabs or safe alternates are the only mode of transport home.

Getting together with friends and family is part of what makes live worth living. Plan ahead for your next event: start small, take it slow, and soon you’ll be hosting events of all manner and size throughout the year.