If You Don’t Think You’re A Natural “Hostess With The Mostest,” Here Are Some Tips For Being A Better Host During Your Next Gathering
Hosting – whether it be a party or a simple hangout with a few friends, not everyone has the knack for it.
Do you have any friends who seem to kill the game every single time they host a party or get-together? Some people make hosting look so effortless.
However, I’m here to tell you that hosting can be difficult. Honestly, I think the only reason I’m considered a good hostess for my friends who visit is because I’m a people pleaser, and at times, my anxiety doesn’t let me rest and keeps me serving people all night.
If you’ve ever tried hosting something and felt exhausted or like you couldn’t give your guests the desired experience, you’re not alone. Not everyone is a natural “hostess with the mostest.”
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t up your hosting game and work on increasing those skills. You can get there one day. Here are some tips for being a good host to your friends and family on various occasions to get you started.
Have a clean home
If you’re having two to three friends over for a glass of wine, your house doesn’t need to be spotless, but it does need to be clean. If you’re having a more elaborate event, your home should be as clean as possible
Nothing makes people want to dart a home faster than dust, clutter, garbage, dirty dishes, dirty towels, etc. However, you only have to focus on the spaces your guests will enter. For instance, if you have 10 people over for game night, why would you need to organize your spice cabinet or clean your kid’s room if they’re not even home?
Always thoroughly clean your entertaining spaces before having guests, but don’t feel the need to go overboard, and don’t invite people on the fly if your house isn’t guest-ready to save yourself some stress.
Nina/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Keep easy drinks and snacks on hand
Some people think that to be a good host, you must have delicious homemade snacks and beverages at all times, just in case someone stops by. That is not the case.
Instead, you can stop by the grocery store whenever you know you’ll have a few people over to hang out. Grab some of your and your friends’ favorite snacks and drinks that are easy to prepare. Even if you don’t end up eating them all, you’ll have leftovers for the next time they pop by.
If you’re hosting a larger gathering, remember you don’t have to do everything yourself. There are delicious prepared foods and drinks in so many stores to choose from, or you can support your local catering company.
Mentally prepare for little incidents
I’ve seen many stressed-out hosts nearly have a mental breakdown when an incident happens, like a spilled drink or weather mishap, because they worried it would ruin their gathering.
If you’re hosting, I know you’re stressed, but you have to prepare for these things and remember they’re not the end of the world. Accidents and mishaps happen, but you can handle them if you remain calm, cool, and collected. Keep your cleaning supplies stocked, have alternative entertaining locations at the ready, and take your event moment by moment.
Ask for help
While it may seem like it sometimes, no good host works alone. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help. If you’re throwing a party, see if a few friends can bring supplies. If you’re having a simple wine night with the girls, see if they can provide some of the wine. Need help cleaning your house? Reach out to a loved one in advance and see if they can lend you a hand.
Hosting any event, especially one with more than 10 people, is very difficult to do on your own. Don’t put yourself in that position and ask for help! No one will give you grief for it, as a happy host makes for a happy party.
If you are about to host an event, big or small, I wish you the best of luck. Stay calm, and don’t spend all your time worrying about everyone to the point where you don’t get to have fun!
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