How to Be the Hostess with the Mostest

Do you dream of throwing THE perfect dinner party? Gathering your family together for a holiday meal they’ll discuss for years to come? Or maybe you just want to have a fun night with friends that everyone (including you) will enjoy! No matter what your goal is, here are five tips to help you be the ultimate hostess with the mostest!

1. Ask for help.

I’m the worst about asking for help. It’s not that I think I can do things better than someone else, it’s just that I don’t want to inconvenience anyone. The thing is, some people truly, really want to help.

If they offer to lend a hand, let them! If someone offers to bring a dessert, let them! If they ask if they can pick up your catered meal, let them! If they ask if you need ice, say yes! (I mean, unless you don’t need ice, then suggest something you do need!)

2. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

There’s a lot involved when hosting others. If you’re planning a meal, you’ve got to time the food preparation and cooking just right, finish straightening up the house, adding last minute touches, and of course, getting yourself dressed and all. However long it you think something will take you, tack on another 15-20 minutes, just in case.

3. Set the ambiance

Add fun lighting and seasonal or theme decor and everyone will reminisce about your awesome party for years to come. Want bonus points? People love being someplace that smells amazing. Find the perfect candle/oils/room spray, just make sure it’s not overpowering! Setting the right mood for a party covers a multitude of things – everyone will talk about the fun the had, and not the dessert you forgot to take out of the oven!

4. Make the perfect playlist

You don’t need the Top 40 blaring across your home, but a little background music helps set a fun tone! Throwing a cozy Christmas party? Play some vintage carols. Invited friends over for a semi-swanky dinner party? Try some big band swing. Just a fun night with friends? A Motown mix always equals a good time.

5. Recruit cleanup

You know that feeling of waking up after a fun late night only to discover cleaning fairies did NOT visit overnight? While it can be a drag to stay up late to clean the kitchen when you’re ready to call it a night, you’ll be glad you did come morning!

Grab your significant other, put on some good music and pull out the special dessert you didn’t serve to the guests. Rehash the fun and work together to quickly get things in order. No significant other in the picture? There’s always that friend that will offer to stay and help clean up, take them up on it! Just make sure you make the same offer when they host down the road.

Originally published November 2, 2018