7 Simple Tips to Prepare for Hosting
Hosting is equal parts excitement and preparation. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party or the upcoming holiday gatherings, a little planning goes a long way toward creating a warm, memorable experience for your guests.
The best hosts know it’s not about perfection—it’s about making folks feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for. Here are seven simple tips to help you host with ease.
1. Plan the Menu
Start with the food—it’s often the centerpiece of any gathering. Think about seasonal dishes or family favorites, and be sure to ask if your guests have any allergies or dietary restrictions. Planning ensures everyone feels included and cared for.
Guest needs: Ask about allergies or dietary restrictions.
Balance: Mix a few simple dishes with one or two “wow” recipes.
Seasonality: Use fresh, in-season ingredients for flavor and color.
Signature touch: Consider a festive holiday cocktail or dessert.
2. Create a Schedule for Yourself
Hosting is smoother when you give yourself a roadmap. Create a timeline so nothing sneaks up on you. A schedule keeps you on track and helps you avoid that last-minute stress. Your schedule might include:
Grocery shopping a few days ahead
Cleaning specific rooms leading up to the event
Setting the table the night before
A prep window for appetizers and drinks
Time to get yourself ready before guests arrive
3. Clean the House in the Week Leading Up
Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Use the week leading up to your event to tidy and clean in small increments. By spreading it out, you’ll save yourself the scramble, and your home will feel polished without the overwhelm.
I recommend cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming, and tidying the living spaces a few days in advance. The day before, I recommend wiping down surfaces, emptying the trash, and cleaning your hosting dishes. This approach saves energy and keeps the house feeling fresh when guests arrive.
4. Prep the Table the Night Before
The table sets the tone of your evening. By styling it early, you’ll free up valuable time on the day of the event. Consider:
Linens: A neutral tablecloth or runner adds texture.
Layers: Plates, glassware, and cloth napkins for a polished look.
Mood: Candles or small seasonal décor pieces.
Five senses: Think beyond visuals—soft fabrics, candlelight, even a subtle scent.
5. Prep the Food in Advance
A stress-free host is a prepared host. Do as much as you can the day before, from chopping vegetables to prepping dessert and marinating meat to premixing mocktails. The more you prepare ahead of time, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the actual day.
Holiday Hack: Choose at least one make-ahead dish that can be easily reheated.
6. Create the Atmosphere
A beautiful evening isn’t just about the food. Set the mood with lighting, music, and scent. Dim the lights, light a candle or two, and have a playlist ready that suits the vibe. Thoughtful touches like these transform your home into a welcoming, cozy space.
Here’s my go-to checklist:
Sight: Is the lighting soft and flattering?
Sound: Do you have a playlist ready (upbeat for mingling, mellow for dining)?
Scent: A candle, fresh greenery, or simmering potpourri can set the mood.
Taste: Beyond the meal, consider a fun snack or signature drink.
Touch: Cozy textures, such as throw blankets or upholstered chairs, invite guests to settle in.
7. The Finishing Touches
On the day of, do a quick once-over of your home and finish up any last-minute cooking. I typically fluff pillows and throw blankets, wipe down surfaces, empty the dishwasher, and ensure all serving ware is set out. This final round of prep makes a big difference—it ensures you’re not rushing around when the doorbell rings.
Bonus: Be Present
The best hosting tip of all? Be present. Once your guests arrive, resist the urge to keep fussing over your space. Pour yourself a drink, sit down, and enjoy time with the folks you’ve gathered. Hosting is about connection, laughter, and creating memories—not about perfection.
With the holidays approaching, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But when you plan, consider the five senses, and prepare with intention, you’ll create a space where your guests feel at home—and where you can fully enjoy the moment, too.
