Becoming the Hostess with the Mostest

Make sure the bathroom is clean…like “the-Queen-is -coming-to-dinner” type clean! .

This is my line whenever we’re expecting company.

Ok- the Queen has never been to my house- nor do I think she ever will- BUT my point is…when I have guests over, I want them to feel like ROYALTY (…and that starts with a clean house but that’s not all!)

Today I’m spilling a few of my top hosting tips.

hostess pouring glasses

Hosting tips to make your guests feel special and right-at-home in your home:

  1. Deep breath, relax and enjoy this time with your guests – this is THE most important tip because it sets the tone for the entire visit. If you’re uptight or too worried about everything being “perfect” , then your guests will feel that tension and guess what? NO-ONE will relax enough to have a good time.
  2. Light candles about 30 mins. before guests arrive so that your house smells good! (and not like Lysol because you’ve just cleaned for the Queen)
  3. If it’s dark out when guests are expected to arrive, be sure you turn on outside lights.
  4. Be sure your bathroom has extra toilet paper that’s easy to find.
  5. Empty the bathroom trash BUT…. I know this is going to sound weird, but hear me out: I always put a crumpled clean Kleenex in the empty trash. This way if someone has to throw something out, they won’t feel weird about it (…you know what I’m sayin’)
  6. When guests arrive, warmly greet them at the door with a smile, a hug, a handshake – whatever’s most comfortable. At my place – it’s hugs all around!
  7. Offer to take their coats to avoid that awkward moment when jackets are off and guests don’t know what to do with them.
  8. Plan ahead and don’t waste precious moments in the kitchen prepping food and drinks if you don’t have to. Have beverage/food options ready to go (i.e. wine chilling, coffee brewing, snacks ready, glasses out etc.)
cheers to hostess with mostest

Joyful Hostess Tip: If you know your guests have a fave drink or they like something in particular – it’s a SUPER hostess move and your guests will feel SUPER SPECIAL if you have that on hand – after all, that’s the goal -to make them feel special – because they are!

  • 9. A completely silent house is a little bit daunting, especially if there’s a lull in conversation (and there will be lulls) so keep TV or radio on low in the background. This way it doesn’t take over the conversation. UNLESS the plan was to watch the game or to rock out to some tunes – then by all means CRANK IT UP!
  • 10. When guests are ready to go, this will be the last impression of their time with you so be sure to make it a good one! THANK your guests for coming, HELP them with their coats and WALK them to the door to see them out. I remember being at a dinner party where the host stayed seated and shouted good-bye from the living room as guests left and saw themselves out the door ……so weird.

I’d love to hear how you make your guests feel special or how someone else made you feel special! SHARE your tips in the comments below.