One of the major advantages of having your own home is your chance to play the host. There is something inherently calming about being able to relax in your home, sharing it with friends and family throughout the year.
The feeling of having more people than usual in your home can sometimes throw people for a loop. It feels as if the walls are closing in on you, as your existing interior space tries to handle more people. You can also find yourself running short of food and drink supplies and a few other hiccups. Before long, you find yourself wondering why you wanted to entertain at all.
But never fear: there are ways you can be prepared and make the most of your home. Learn how to be the host with the most, all with a little time and inspiration.
Host Helper One: Open Up The Space
Take this to the most extreme point if you have to and take doors off of their hinges or go for internal bifold doors to create space. Nothing is worse than trying to host when everyone is clustered in one area, or having to separate into little groups so the general thread is lost.
Host Helper Two: Reusable Items
If you’re providing food and drinks, then unless you have a huge cutlery stash, you’re going to have to buy in. Rather than buying paper plates and plastic glasses – which look and feel tacky – it’s better to invest in something you can reuse. We’re not talking about fine china here; a basic, plain range from any grocery store will do the job. And the investment will last as well, as every party you have, the better value they become.
Host Helper Three: Make The Most of Outdoors
If it’s seasonable enough weather, then open up the space in the garden. To combat any cold snaps, consider patio heaters or chimeneas, which look good and provide plenty of heat.
Host Helper Four: Remove Anything Expensive
People are clumsy; it’s a given. If there’s anything in your home you particularly value, then remove it before you invite a single guest inside. If it’s something more permanent – like furniture or the carpet – then work around it. Rugs can be a cheap spill-catcher and furniture can be covered with throws and cushions to save any terrible damage being done.
Host Helper Five: Prepare The Kitchen
There is a tendency for parties held at home to always end up in the kitchen. People go for food or a drink refill, see someone, and linger to chat. Be ready for it. Move as much of your everyday items out of the way and provide ample seating, resorting to patio chairs if necessary. Easy access to drink refills will be appreciated and mean people don’t have to reach over each other.
Host Helper Six: Let People Know What You Expect
It might seem strange to invite people into your home and issue them with rules, but it’s often a necessary evil. It’s particularly important if alcohol is going to be involved – we’re not talking a raging shindig here, but judgement slips after a couple of sips of anything. Ask if they cause any damage they let you know so you can rectify it, and to generally be respectful. Be cheerful with the delivery, and they won’t even take it badly.
