If you’re anything like me you love to host. There is joy in brining people together, sharing traditions and laughter.
My future in-laws are fantastic people. They have been very kind and welcoming. However, we just don’t spent that much time together.
They have been bothering future husband to have them over to our house for months now, and I finally got a chance at Thanksgiving.
When ever hosting my concerns are always:
- will people have a good time
- will this be awkward
Here are my tips on hosting when you haven’t spent that much time with your guests
- Keep it simple
Keep the menu and decor simple. The goal is going to be to spend time with the people. Simplifying your preparation will help take some of the pressure off. I myself am the best at small talk when my brain isn’t full of my to do list.
- Prep what you can in advance
Part of keeping it simple is setting up in advance. Set your table or make a few side dishes the day before. I set out all my serving dishes the day before helping me mentally plan out all my steps. For this Thanksgiving, we were hosting brunch. We got the fruit cut up and the quiche made the day before to make time for the show stopper, STICKY BUNS.
- Have one SHOW STOPPER item
Put your energy into one element that will dazzle. Whether it’s decor, table settings, or food. Having one element that people can talk about will help with the conversation. Sticky buns are a family recipe for me. Some of my favorite holiday memories include Grandma’s sticky buns. They don’t involve pecans or cinnamon rolls like the internet tells us they should either. I enjoyed sharing this tradition with my new family!
- Plan an end time
Set up with a communicated end time. This could be a verbal departure time or a gesture for ending. All good parties end on a high note. Having a set ending will help everyone leave with happy memories. Priya Parker in the “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” speaks to having a conclusion much more eloquently than I do.
More on Hosting
For more on hosting I read “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker, it changed how I think about hosting events.