You know the feeling: it’s 5 p.m., your guests will arrive at 6, you’ve barely prepared anything, the table isn’t set, and you still need to shower. Hosting doesn’t have to be a chore, and with a little forethought, bringing your loved ones together for a meal can be what it’s supposed to be: fun.
We know this more than anyone, so we turned to the brightest hosts we know (us) to give us our best tips for surviving the hosting season. From when to take out the cheese to how to make a very special opening, this is what we do when visitors come.
“My advice, which I learned the hard way, is to remember that your job as a host is not to put on a show, but to make people feel welcome and comfortable. Have drinks ready for guests. Encourage them to walk. Don’t you also love visiting other people’s homes? Make a seating plan ahead of time, so people don’t have to fend for themselves. Keep an eye on people’s glasses so they don’t have to order more wine or water. And have fun; If you have fun, they will too.” —Amanda Hesser, Founder and CEO
“My friend Katherine, owner of a dinner shop, Big Night, shared this tip you’ll never forget: Always let the cheese rest. Take it out a half hour before guests arrive and it will taste like real cheese, not the inside of your refrigerator. “It also allows softer cheese, like Brie, to look romantic on the cheese board.” —Julie Vadnal, Editorial Director
“Make the bathing experience special. At my housewarming party I had nice low lighting, single-use hand towels on a tray (hand towels always get really gross at a party), and a speaker playing a different playlist than the rest of the party. the party (I opted for female country classics). from the 90s and 2000s!). “It makes it feel like a retreat from the larger party and allows guests to catch their breath.” —Jackson Fust, Senior Director of Marketing and Planning
“Always finish preparing food (whether plating it or cooking it at the last minute) when guests arrive. It makes people feel less pressured to be “on the go” when they get to my house. I also try to hang eucalyptus in the shower so the bathroom smells divine.” —Kelly Kenneally, graphic designer
“Whenever I plan to serve a dessert (which is always), I try to make it that morning or the day before. Most baked goods you would serve as dessert will last overnight in the refrigerator, but if you’re concerned about freshness or “If you want to serve something hot, like a cake, you can prepare it ahead of time and put it in the oven during dinner.” — Nea Arentzen, content creator.
“I used to bring out my best plates and cutlery, but now I’m not ashamed to put out bamboo plates and pair them with pretty plates I’ve collected over the years to serve everything family style. I feel like it balances the use of bamboo tableware.” —César Pérez, content creator
“If you have a large group, keep snacks or hors d’oeuvres in different places instead of all on one table. Everyone wants to be close to the food, so you’ll maximize space and prevent everyone from gathering in the same place. Plus, big light tends to kill vibrations. Avoid overhead lighting and opt for lamps, candles and other warmer lights.” —Chelsea Burnside, Social Media Associate
“When hosting friends, I think it’s realistic to delegate. “I’ll make the main course, ask someone to bring a side dish, and then ask someone else to bring the drinks.” —Tam Morales, Social Producer
“Make a great cup of coffee. Whether it’s a midday meal or a late-night dinner, a nice hot cup of coffee is the perfect way to a) cap off the event or b) continue it. Bonus points if you serve it into something fresh, like this French press. -Paul Hagopian, editor
“As simple as it sounds, having a pitcher of water prepared ahead of time, chilled in the refrigerator with lemon, and maybe some extra sparklers like herbs or cucumbers is a nice touch for a dinner party. Especially when you use a pitcher that’s as adorable as the bottle. Serax fish tank or the Dansk Købenstyle wrapped handle water jug. – Julia Nelson, Senior Director of Social Media and Video
What are your favorite hosting tricks? Let us know in the comments below!
