Tips For Hosting

Hosting a party soon? Hosting guests for a get-together or party is fun but it can also be stressful. Here are a few tips to make sure your evening runs as smooth as possible:

1. Tidy up. Make sure your house is presentable. Dust, vacuum, pick up the clutter. Make sure your bathrooms have an air freshener/a candle, extra hand towels, and spare toilet paper.
   
   
2. Size up the party. How many people will be attending? Could they bring extra guests? Knowing your party size helps plan for seating, plates, food, and alcohol quantity.
   
   
3. Know your audience. Do they drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks? Be sure you have the tools you’ll need on hand for each, like a wine opener, bottle opener, or a cocktail shaker. Do they have any food allergies?
   
   
4. Food, food, food. Water, water, water. If you’re serving alcohol, be sure to have some snacks and water throughout the entire for your guests. You don’t want to liquor them up then send them home. Fill up a beverage dispenser with water, ice, and fruit/herbs/veggies of your choosing to make it a little more interesting than just water.
   
   
• Appetizer ideas: Three Cheese Bruschetta,  Greek Seven Layer Dip, or Wedge Salad on a Stick. You can learn more about how to make the perfect charcuterie platter here. The lighter the better. Keep in mind that if the munchies you make need to be warm - you may spend more time than you planned in the kitchen.
  
  
• Water flavors: strawberry/kiwi, lemon/lime/cucumber/mint, or blueberries/strawberries/raspberries.
  
  
5. Don’t make people come empty handed – it’s fine to have help. Food, plates, drinks, ice. People like contributing and who wants to do everything on their own?