There’s something undeniably special about welcoming people you love into your home and hosting them for the night. However, hosting can sometimes be more stressful than joyful, especially when you have to scramble to make food to serve and clean the spaces you want your guests to hang out in. If you’re dreaming of being an ideal host, here are some ways to ensure you’re always prepared for guests so that entertaining is effortless and actually fun.
Style the Spaces Guests Actually See
Don’t overwork yourself by cleaning every room in the house just because guests are coming over. Instead, focus your energy on tidying up and styling the spaces your guests will actually see. Clean up the kitchen, fluff up the pillows in the living room, add fragrance to the powder room, and style your entryway to boost people’s first impression of your home.
Have a Hosting Drawer at the Ready
Rushing at the last minute to find serving plates or cocktail napkins can make hosting feel more chaotic than it has to be. To make it less stressful, have a dedicated hosting drawer at the ready in your kitchen or dining room. Fill it with essentials like trays, Bluetooth speakers, napkins, coasters, and more. That way, you never have to scramble for these essentials when someone comes over.
Don’t Forget the Bathroom Details
Nothing makes a guest feel more uncomfortable than entering an understocked bathroom. Make sure your guest bathroom is well-prepped and has all the bathroom essentials they might need, like toilet paper, clean towels, luxe hand soap, and spare toothbrushes. The space should also be clean and smell fresh.
Make the Outdoors Work for You
If you have a sizable backyard or patio, you can create a stunning outdoor area for entertaining. It’s perfect for having brunch in the morning or watching the sunset with your guests at dusk.
Comfy seating with foldable chairs and cushions and a string of fairy lights is all you need to make this area the best hangout spot in your home. If you feel like your yard needs a refresh and more styling, follow a simple backyard landscaping guide to add more lush greenery and decor to add more life to the area.
Invest in Ambient Lighting
Harsh overhead lighting can be mood-killers. Ambient lighting can make your home feel warmer and more inviting, so it’s best to invest in it if you love to host. To create a moody, uplifting vibe, use a mix of lighting options, including floor lamps, wall sconces, and even some fun fairy lights.
Endnote
When your space is thoughtfully prepared ahead of time, entertaining loved ones becomes second nature to you. That way, you don’t feel like it’s a chore, and you can actually sit and hang out with your friends and family instead of scrambling to serve them and make sure the house is in good shape before they enter that door. A little planning upfront goes a long way in making you feel more relaxed as a host and making the night more fun and seamless for you and your guests. Have fun hosting!
