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Want to be a fantastic host? It’s more than just a clean house and fancy food. It’s about making your guests feel welcomed and cared for. Here are some easy tips to help you become the best host ever.
Get Ready Early
Being prepared is key. Shop for your groceries and clean your house at least a day before your guests arrive. This way, you won’t be stressed and tired when they knock on the door. You’ll have the energy to enjoy their company!
Talk to Your Guests
Good communication is important, especially if guests are staying overnight. Ask them:
- What time will they arrive?
- What time will they leave?
- Do they have any food allergies?
- What time do they wake up?
If they’re staying over, get up a bit early and have coffee and a snack ready for them. It’s a thoughtful way to start their day.
Create a Welcoming Guest Room
Make your guest room feel like a home away from home. Some things you can do:
- Fresh towels
- Small toiletries (like samples from Target) in a basket
- A sign with the Wi-Fi login
- A carafe of water and a glass
- A small bowl of snacks
These little touches show your guests you care about their comfort.
Make Your Food Look Good
You don’t have to cook everything from scratch. But, when you serve food, take it out of the package and put it on a plate. Make it look nice. People appreciate the effort you put into presentation.
Use your nice dishes. Don’t leave them in the back of the cabinet. Setting your table correctly is also a nice touch. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with a charger.
- Add a plate on top.
- If you’re serving soup, put the soup bowl next.
- Place the salad or bread plate to the top left.
- Put the drink glass on the top right.
- Add your napkin.
- Place your utensils in the correct order. Larger fork first, then salad fork. Knife blade faces the plate. Larger knife first, then butter knife. Spoon goes last.
Introduce Your Guests
If you’re having a party, introduce your guests to each other. Give them a talking point to start a conversation. For example, “This is my daughter, she helps with my videos and works in the store.” This makes it easier for people to connect.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Ambiance matters. Use candles to create a soft, romantic light. But, don’t use scented candles when you’re cooking a meal with a strong smell. It can mix the scents. Scented candles are great for dessert parties.
Play music in the background. Choose something calming and relaxing. It can make a big difference in how your guests feel.
Put Your Pets Away
Not everyone loves pets as much as you do. When guests arrive, put your pets away. This avoids barking and jumping, which can be annoying. If your guests ask to see them, then you can bring them out.
Be Present
This is important. Don’t start cleaning up dishes in the middle of the party. It tells your guests that being with them isn’t your priority. The dishes can wait. Focus on enjoying the evening with your company.
Final Thoughts
Being a good host is about caring for others and making them feel at home. Preparing ahead, communicating, creating a welcoming space, and being present are all important. Use these tips to make your next gathering a success!