Get the Party Going
Heaven knows that some house guests are…irritating. The thing is, hosts have their own behaviors that drive people away! From ignoring dietary restrictions to not thanking guests for coming, here are the top dos and don’ts of hosting.
1. Getting Hammered
Dinner parties are obviously a place to have fun, but they’re not a place to get plastered. As the host, your job is to ensure everyone’s comfort; it’ll be harder to do that from the bathroom floor. Stay within your limits so you can keep the party going.
Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels
2. Sitting on Your Phone
Why fill your home with guests if you only plan to ignore them? While we may love vegging with our best friends, dinner parties require more attention. Put the phone down (unless it’s to kickstart a playlist) and focus on your friends.
Photo by Eddy Billard on Unsplash
3. Asking Guests to Supply Everything
BYOB is one thing, but hosts often provide guests with something. From an assortment of junk food to a simple pizza, guests won’t take kindly to empty plates. Not to mention, the last thing you want is a house full of people with nothing but booze in their bellies.
Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels
4. Ignoring Dietary Restrictions
Ask ahead of time about any dietary restrictions. Good hosts have hot dogs and veggie burgers available, allowing everyone to feel comfortable. Ignoring preferences can easily make people feel uncared for.
Photo by Pam Menegakis on Unsplash
5. Not Introducing People
If some guests don’t know each other, it’s the host’s job to introduce them. Sure, plus-ones could cling to their partners all night, but it’s better when everyone can chit-chat. Mingling also brings people together.
Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels
6. Only Offering Alcohol
Just like with food options, you also want a healthy selection of drinks. Some guests may not indulge in alcohol, others may not like carbonated beverages—offering multiple items allows guests to partake in whatever they like.
Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels
7. Not Warning About Pets
Let guests know if you have an excitable dog or a particularly irate cat. You may know your furry friends are sweethearts, but jumping or hissing could freak others out. Warnings are also good for anyone with allergies.
Photo by Sandra Seitamaa on Unsplash
8. Having Tons of Rules
Your house isn’t Buckingham Palace. Guests expect common restrictions like shoe removal or inside voices, but a laundry list of house rules is downright off-putting. It’s only worse if it comes with strict enforcement.
Photo by Emily Pottiger on Unsplash
9. Inviting Certain People
It’s probably best you don’t invite your girlfriend’s ex-husband. Skip that weird guy from work, too. Certain invites completely alter the mood—it’s hard to enjoy the big game with so much palpable tension.
Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels
10. Not Thanking Them
Guests took the time to hang out, so don’t send them off without a proper goodbye. Warm hugs and kind words go a long way! They also open the door to future get-togethers.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Good party hosting skills separate you from the rest, so let’s jump into how you can wow guests.
1. Welcoming Environment
Everything from the lighting to the smell of your home sends a message. Guests are far more comfortable in warm lighting than under hospital fluorescents and they’ll appreciate a candle over any lingering pet odors.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
2. Flexibility
Handle last-minute changes with grace. Good hosts don’t sweat the small stuff, keeping a level head when someone cancels or if there’s a weather delay. Flexibility creates a more positive space, and it’s one that guests feel more comfortable in.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
3. Inclusive Conversations
Some guests might be more introverted than others—good hosts work them into any conversation. Active listening and including everyone allows guests to mingle and takes some pressure off any shy people.
Photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash
4. Various Refreshments
You don’t need to cook a whole turkey for guests, but you should still have an assortment of goodies available. Anything from finger foods to several beverage options lets people graze the snack table without feeling left out.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels
5. Attentive Listening
Good friends—and better hosts—listen. Whether it’s a close friend or one in the making, talented conversationalists take the time to ask questions. Pay attention, keep off your phone, and stay present so everyone feels welcome.
Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels
6. A Good Playlist
While music tastes widely differ, a good playlist brings a party together. Include tunes from popular genres or ask people what they’d like to hear. You never know who will request a nostalgic song or bond over shared tastes!
7. Late-Night Games
Good hosts don’t shoo guests out the door—they keep momentum with late-night board games. Even if some guests trickle out, those who stick around can partake in card games or even adult-centered games like Midnight Taboo.
8. Good Communication
Check in with guests throughout the party. To save time, you don’t even have to approach people individually. Ask the room if anyone needs a refill or a song request. Keeping the lines of communication open shows everyone you’re adaptable and inviting.
9. Stock Up on Supplies
Attendees aren’t in charge of bringing paper plates or solo cups. Once the guest list is nailed down, plan accordingly. Grab enough food, have enough drinks, and make sure you have plenty of clean hand towels.
10. Kind Goodbyes
Now that the evening’s over, make sure to say goodbye! Thank those who came and leave an open invite for anyone who wants to meet again. At the end of the day, warm goodbyes are just as important as warm welcomes.
