Entertain with Ease: Hosting Do's and Don'ts

There’s no thrill quite like throwing a party! Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a full-fledged rager, here are some hosting tips for a memorable party.

Do: Have Strong Pre-Game Communication

Invitations are a must for hosting an event. Alongside the date, time, and location of the party, include any similar logistics, such as the dress code or details of the parking situation near your home. If guests offer to bring something, take them up on it! Some ideas would include a bottle of their favorite wine, a fruit platter, or an extra bag of ice.

Don’t: Send Paper Invitations

While sending paper invitations is a lovely touch, there’s simply no need. Chances are, you don't know the addresses of all your friends, and do you really want to send that many envelopes? Digital invitations are more of the standard and make RSVPing easier for you and your guests.

Do: Ask About Food Preferences

Between allergies, intolerances, and religious reasons, people may have food preferences. While you don't have to cater to every dietary whim, it’s considerate to have at least one dish everyone can eat. Before planning the menu, simply include “Please let me know about any special food needs” in the invite to allow guests to share their needs. It’s also helpful to include written labels near dishes to highlight key allergens and ingredients, such as nuts and gluten.

Don't: Make Every Dish From scratch

Cooking can be enjoyable, but cooking for seventeen people? Consider this permission to cut a few corners. Pick up a tub of hummus, a rotisserie chicken, or a dozen cupcakes from the store to save time. To elevate the presentation, take pre-made food out of their containers and display them more decoratively. Chips will look better in a glass bowl than their bag and no one will know that the watermelon was pre-cut if it’s in a lovely ceramic dish.

Do: Be Prepared for Early Attendees

We all know that one person who shows up half an hour before the party starts. It's better for you to be ready in advance than for the doorbell to ring when you're in the shower. To avoid awkward silence and keep you on task for finishing any remaining preparations, delegate a small job to early birds. Whether it’s setting out napkins or hanging a garland, you’ll make early guests feel helpful and you’ll stay on track to complete any finishing touches.

Don’t: Deep Clean Everything

Feel free to run the dishwasher and vacuum up stray dog hair, but remember that no one is eyeing your baseboards. If you clean the bathroom and pay attention to surfaces and clutter in the common spaces, everything else will probably go unnoticed. Alternatively, you’re welcome to hire cleaners before and after the party to take a load off your to-do list. Check your stock of cleaning supplies before and after the party to make sure you don't run out of something when you need it the most.

Do: Keep Your Bathroom Stocked

While often underlooked, your bathroom can add to the party experience. A sparkling toilet, a clean sink, and polished mirrors are great first steps! To take it a step further, include a few festive touches. Set out a plug-in air freshener, a bottle of deliciously-scented soap, a jar of toothpicks, and, of course, lots of toilet paper. These touches will make guests feel more comfortable in your home.

Don’t: Forget About the Weather

Be prepared for any seasonal challenges. If it’s winter, get a few extra coat hangers and a shoe rack for slushy boots. If it’s raining, set out a bin to stash damp umbrellas. If it’s the middle of summer, crank up the AC an hour before people arrive. If you’re hosting an outdoor party, consider the temperature and wind. If it’s blazing out, set out a few beach umbrellas and pick up a spare bag of ice for drinks. For windy days, weigh down tables with sandbags.

Do: Let There Be Light

Warm, ambient lighting goes a long way in making a party feel inviting. The key is to find a balance in lighting between rooms. If a room is too bright, it can feel harsh and exposing. Too dim, and it can be discomforting, not to mention unpractical. If overhead lights are too much, lighten a room with a few lit candles, a floor lamp, or string lights.

Don't: Sit in Silence

Background music elevates any mood. Just like with lightning, it’s important to maintain a balance. If the music is too loud, it feels stressful. Stick mostly with laidback tunes unless you’re aiming for a dancing session midway through entrées. Make a playlist with several hours of music and choose an ad-free service to skip the commercials. Charge your speaker the day before - having the music stop halfway through the event dampens the night.

Do: Consider the Kiddos

If your party is open to younger attendees, make sure there’s somewhere for them to eat and something for them to do. This could mean getting an extra folding table and setting out some coloring books or putting on a movie in the basement. If you want a kid-free party, make sure you communicate this in advance to your guests. It may seem rude, but it’s better to be blunt than have a guest feel awful for showing up with their five-year-old.

Don’t: Let Pets Run Wild

You should let people know if you have a cat or dog in case they’re allergic to or afraid of animals. If you have a dog who loves to jump up on people, consider dropping them off at doggy daycare. If your cat hisses at strangers, maybe leave them in a closed room with food and water for the evening.

Do: Be Strategic with Food Placement

People will congregate wherever there’s food. If you want everyone to be in your kitchen, great! If not, move the food and dishes to the living room instead. Make sure to put out a trash can near eating zones with extra trash bags at the ready. Similarly, consider a designated crate for cans and recycling. Pro tip: keep a stain remover on hand for the inevitable dropped meatball or spilled glass of Chardonnay.

Don’t: Skip Nonalcoholic Drinks

For numerous reasons, a number of your guests may not drink alcohol. While yes, there’s always water, try and have some nonalcoholic beverages on hand to ensure everyone is drinking something they like. While you don't have to hand-shake a dozen mocktails, consider getting a case of La Croix, kombucha, or any alternative nonalcoholic beverage.

Do: Cover All Your Bases

Sometimes, it’s the little thongs that go a long way. Tape notes with directions for any of your home’s quirks; “twist this doorknob to the right to open,” “hold down the soap pump for a few seconds,” etc. Similarly, write down your WiFi network and password on a sticky note by the front door so people can easily connect. Consider having an extra phone charger plugged in for guests whose phones may need a boost.

Don't: Over-Apologize

Second-hand anxiety is real. Put yourself and your guests at ease by shrugging off anything that didn’t go as planned. Chances are, no one noticed that the drinking glasses didn’t match, the fish was overcooked, or that an R-rated song snuck its way onto the playlist. Don't draw more attention to it, just take a beat and move along.

Do: End the Party Gracefully

If the designated party end time is fast approaching, start to wrap things up. Indicate to your guest that it’s time to leave by lowering the music, brightening the lights, and walking around collecting dishes and trash. If one of your guests has had too much to drink, call them an Uber or offer them your guest room. Make sure to say goodbye to each guest and them for coming.

Don’t: Overthink It

Order takeout for dinner. Text your invitations. Use paper plates. While it’s fun to pull out all the stops for an extravagant party, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics. Chances are, your guests are thrilled to be invited and don’t care much about the details. No one is expecting perfection, just a fun time shared with friends.