How To Host Like A Domestic Goddess
Whether it’s a dinner party or cocktails, here are a few tips and tricks that making hosting feel a bit less overwhelming!
The idea of hosting comes naturally to some but can be exceptionally stressful for others. If you’re someone who feels like your hosting skills lack a bit of finesse or you don’t feel confident enough to have people over, this is to help you realize that hosting doesn’t have to be a high maintenance experience in order for it to feel special!
As basic as this sounds, start by giving your house a freshen up!
On the day you’re hosting or even an hour before, give your house a quick tidy. Open all the windows for some fresh air, light a candle, take out the trash, put the laundry and dishes away, make sure there is toilet paper and a fresh hand towel in the bathroom. I know it’s a bit of an extra effort but it really does make a difference in making your guests feel special and not like they’re an after thought.
If you’re hosting a dinner, make sure you’ve prepped enough beforehand. Don’t leave all the cooking until your guests arrive.
Nothing makes me hangry like going to a dinner party and only eating dinner at 10pm. Firstly, don’t over commit to some crazy menu that takes a ton of time and effort to pull off, unless you feel extremely capable. The simpler the better, choose an easy, delicious menu that can be thrown together without keeping you in the kitchen all night away from your guests. Secondly, if you do have a more elaborate menu make sure you’ve done prep ahead of time whether it’s making sauces, dressings or dessert to minimize mess and time in the kitchen. Options like pasta, salads, slow cooked meats and fish are all great low maintenance/quick dinner options with a bit of prep.
Have snacks out and ready for as soon as guests arrive, even if you’re just having drinks.
You don’t have to go as far as making a whole stunning charcuterie spread, it could be something as simple as setting out a bowl of green olives, some roasted almonds or some cubes of a delicious aged cheddar. Your guests will always appreciate a little nibble, especially if you’re just having people over for drinks and not dinner.
Make sure there is ice in the freezer and cold drinks in the fridge.
I know this is a super basic tip, but cold drinks and ice are vital. So make sure those ice trays are filled up the morning before or even grab a bag of ice to make sure nobody has to make a run mid-dinner.
Make sure your glassware and cutlery is clean.
Another basic tip, but double check your glasses aren’t streaky and that you have enough clean (and polished if you feel like putting in a touch of extra effort) cutlery.
Lastly…DIM THE LIGHTS AND TURN ON SOME MUSIC PEOPLE.
This makes such a massive difference for me. Turn the big lights off/down, turn on every lamp in your house, light a candle or 5 and turn on some calm/feel good music. This sets the tone completely and has your guests feeling cozy and relaxed.
Having people over doesn’t have to feel like a whole 3 day planning endeavor. Keep the food simple, the drinks cold and the lights DIM and you’ll be golden. Also practice makes perfect, the more you host the more comfortable you feel having people over and just remember that your guests will never remember the silly odd thing that goes wrong, so don’t get caught up and enjoy spending time with the people you love!!