7 subtle ways to step up your hosting skills
Soon the weather will be cooling off, and we’ll be changing those party invites from backyard BBQs and beach parties to s’mores by the fire and indoor get-togethers.
It’s time to step up your hosting skills as we shift to the more formal occasions of indoor party season – Halloween, dinner parties, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holidays.
As the expert host, you’ve prepared a well-planned grocery list for all of your party food essentials, the perfect music track to cue the mood, and an amazing flower arrangement as the table statement piece. You are the party planner, the party starter, the problem solver, the greeter, conversation maker, mood setter…it all starts with you! If you’re thinking that’s definitely NOT me, then keep reading for some great subtle ways to step up your hosting game without anyone even knowing you’re trying.
PRO PARTY TIP: On the day of the party, always get ready FIRST. This means shower, hair, makeup, lay out your suit, iron your dress, etc. You don’t have to throw on your party clothes just yet, but having those items all prepped will help you feel less pressure as the clock starts counting down to party time. Set up ALWAYS takes longer than anticipated! It’s a huge help to be ready and simply get dressed about 20 minutes before guests arrive. You can always chat with your first guests while making the finishing touches on your deli tray or hanging décor instead of being locked in your bedroom trying to put on a tie or curling your hair!
7 Subtle Ways to STEP Up Your Hosting Skills
1. hey girl hey
Go beyond the passive “Hey, how’s it going?” that doesn’t really require an actual response. Greet everyone and genuinely follow it up with a question that you want to know the answer to. That goes for best friends to friends of friends you don’t know. People often think they’re off the hook with closer friends because they know them well, but it still goes a really long way to personally greet each guest. This gets harder the bigger the party that you have, but it truly makes a difference in establishing a warm connection with your guests and setting the tone of the evening.
2. mind reader
Being a good host means anticipating your party goer’s needs and questions before they ask (add extra trash bins nearby, gesture to the restroom as they walk in, tell them when dinner will be served etc.). Tell them the quick rules of the house so they feel aware. We’ve all had those moments when you’re unsure if you should remove your shoes or if you’re allowed to eat/drink in the living room areas.
3. came for the food, stayed for the party
Be sure to have food labels. This is the biggest area where you’ll have questions, particularly if you know your guests have food allergies or dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, organic only…). Most of my friends eat any and everything – so this usually isn’t an issue for me. You may also need labels to note various flavors, hidden ingredients, or just to look cute.
4. surprise!
No, not an actual surprise party! BUT…everyone loves to be delighted by something they weren’t expecting. Find a little way to make the event extra special.
5. WINGMAN DUTIES
Don’t host alone. A great subtle way you can keep a party or event on time is by enlisting a close friend to help keep an eye on the schedule. While you’re mingling and keeping the flow of the party going, it’s helpful to have an extra reminder to start cocktail hour, pause for a toast, or kick off the dinner portion of the event.
6. not another monogram…
Not quite! BUT everyone does love a personalized item. You don’t have to go crazy detailing each thing at the party, but if the guest count is reasonable, personalizing one item adds a nice touch. (Baking Friendsgiving cookies for the party? Throw 2 in a clear party bag and wrap with a cute name tag. Easy!)
7. HEYYYYY….YOU
We’ve all done it. When you say hi or bye and use any name (hun, man, girl, sweetie) other than the person’s actual name because…you forgot! Here’s a really great podcast on Something You Should Know about ways to remember names. When you say goodbye to someone new as they are leaving and use their name, it leaves them with a great impression of you as a host. They made an impact on you, you remembered them – it’s warm fuzzy feelings all around.
Before I go, I’ll leave you with one last party tip:
PRO PARTY TIP: Always take out the trash as your last step of party prep. It’s probably filled with plastic wrap, chip bags, failed balloons, and décor wrappers from your setup, so it’s a good move to start the party fresh.
That’s it, that’s all! I hope this inspires you to be an even better host and helps make your next party a step up.
As always, if you’ve made it this far head back over to Instagram or Facebook and let me know what you think or if you’ve already tried any of these tips! I would love to hear about your experiences.
Happy Fall Party Planning!
xoxo - Arika
