Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just a few people over for a Sunday night dinner it’s important to make them feel at ease. Below are some quick tips on how to be a great party host!
1. Make Your House Presentable
Flowers in the bathroom! This is what I learned from my mama who is the definition of great party host. Her number one tip to go above and beyond for your guests. Just a few flowers in a small vase in the bathroom is a nice surprise. Also remember the hand towels!
This is also a reminder, though I hope you don’t need it, to pick up and tidy your house/space. I love hosting gatherings at my house because it’s the only time my house gets very clean! More reason to invite folks over!
2. Know Everyone’s Allergies
I keep a list of friend’s allergies in a notes section of my phone. Anytime a new friend comes along I causally work into conversation (when it’s appropriate obviously) and add any food specifications into my phone for future use. For example, my friend Liz is allergic to artificial cinnamon meaning no fireball or red hots. She also can’t do red meat or sulfites which means white wine for her. David doesn’t do tomatoes, almonds, pork, fresh tree fruit and NO PEACHES. I love having these lists because it’s a great reference point when planning meals. I also looks like a great party host when they show up and don’t need to worry about any food!
A shout out to my Friendship Survey blog post, you can put food allergies on that as well! Then you don’t need to ask more details often and it’s already all saved for you!
3. Be Aware Of Who Knows Each Other
You should always greet your guests at the door, take their bags and jackets, offer a drink and introduce them into a conversation with another guest so you can get back to hosting. Know ahead of time who knows each other and who doesn’t. You can make a point to introduce anyone who doesn’t know another at least by name. If you introduce them before any awkwardness ensues and they don’t have to introduce themselves, you’re a great host making everyone feel welcome!
4. Good Music Sets The Tone!
Bring on the Spotify playlists! My best friend Kathryn’s go to playlists are called Dinner with Friends or Feel Good Dinner. When I’ve gone over to David and Amanda’s house they often have on Chill Covers. My husband uses Pandora stations Joey Pecoraro, Andrew Applepie and ODESZA for easy listening and what he calls “funky jazz.”
Nothing sets the mood better than music! It is the perfect way to set the tone for the evening. We have a sound bar in the main room but a good quality bluetooth speaker works just as well. Another house I’d been to had Sonos speakers throughout the house all playing the same music. I especially enjoyed having a speaker playing in the bathroom! These speakers are now on my wish list each birthday and Christmas. Check out the Sonos Bluetooth Speakers here! You can adjust all volume levels from your phone if you want one room to be lower than another. Brilliant!
*Note that I’m using affiliate links, if you purchase from my link I may make a little something at no extra cost to you! Help me get my own set of speakers! Haha*
5. Do As Much As You Can Before
The best way to be a great party host?! Try out an easy menu, crock pot meal or heavy appetizers. Plan the menu around things that are easy to cook beforehand and you won’t be a slave to the kitchen all night. It’s way more fun to be apart of the party! Don’t think you need to spend an entire day cooking either. Your guests will have just as much fun if you go to Trader Joes beforehand and buy all of their pre-made appetizers for variety and ease. Throw them in the oven and serve them hot, don’t overthink it and make sure you spend time enjoying your party and mingling as well! When you as the host are having fun, that is what makes your guests feel most at ease.
Hope you had some new takeways and ideas for your next gathering! Also check out my post about hostess gifts and when it’s appropriate to bring one. Let me know in the comments any music playlists you love or tips on how you’re a great host at parties!
