Whether it be a celebratory get together or an intimate dinner party, hosting is a perfect opportunity to show off your home and your entertaining skills. Ensure that everyone has a great time by being a considerate host. Here are several dos and don’ts that you can follow in order to have a successful gathering.
Do be prepared. Have a guest list prior to your party so that you know how many people are coming and who you are going to be entertaining. If you are having a dinner party or serving food, you should also reach out to your guests beforehand to see if anyone has any allergies or dietary restrictions that you should be aware of. You will also want to allow yourself plenty of time to clean around your house or set up any seating or decorations needed for your party.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Waiting until the last minute to clean up or cook can cause a lot of stress and panic that may make you miss or forget something important. It could also give your guests a bad impression, so give yourself plenty of time to get your house up to your standards. Waiting could also cause you to overlook any specific needs that your guests may have, which could lead to them being excluded from your festivities, so make sure that you are prepared to be accommodating to everyone.
Do create a party atmosphere. This should be a fun event for you and your guests to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. Do not be afraid to throw on some music as background noise or to set up some flowers and other nice decorations that you would not normally have up around the house. For a dinner party, it would be a great idea to bring out the fancy china, a nice tablecloth and some candles for additional lighting to elevate the sophistication of your party.
Don’t be confined to one room. If you have a lot of space in your house, put it to good use! You could have one room be a seating area while another is set up with a table full of appetizers and finger foods. If you do not have a lot of room inside, try expanding your party into the backyard to open up the space.
Do get your guests talking. If you have a party full of people who do not know each other very well, consider playing some party games to lighten the mood and help get the conversation going. You could also introduce guests with mutual friends and find something that they have in common with one another in hopes that they will strike up a conversation.
Don’t rush to clean up. At the end of the night, you may be tempted to get a head start on the dishes or pick up any trash, but you should hold off until your last guest leaves. Pop open a bottle of wine or pour yourself a nice cup of tea and sit down to relax with your guests until they are ready to leave. Don’t make them feel rushed, and show them that you enjoy their company and appreciate them making time for you.
Hosting a party can be stressful, but it does not have to be. It is important to focus on the reason why you are gathering and allow yourself to have fun with your friends. Following these few tips will help you and your guests enjoy a rewarding night. 
Rylee Mehr
Home & Yard Magazine
