You don’t become the hostess with the mostest on a whim. In order for a home to gain a reputation as an entertaining hub, where guests enjoy themselves time and again, you have to have a few tricks up your sleeve.
“A successful gathering has very little to do with perfection and everything to do with intention,” says Larry Walshe, celebrity event designer and founder of Larry Walshe Studios. “People rarely remember whether every napkin was perfectly folded or if every flower was perfectly placed. They remember how they felt.”
“Guests should walk in and feel something: welcomed, comfortable, and thought of,” echoes Kait Silberman, founder and creative director of Curated by Kait. “That doesn't mean everything has to be elaborate or expensive. It means the details that matter separate a good party from a party people talk about for months (and not in a good way).”
If you’ve found yourself scrambling to make your home appear event-ready, here are the five supplies pros always keep around, including items that won’t break the bank.
1. Chic Serveware
There’s a time and place for paper plates and plastic cups, but when you want to elevate efficiency into the realm of intention, then have a collection of serveware on hand to use for your buffet or sit-down meal.
“I always encourage people to build a collection over time rather than buying everything at once,” says Walshe. “Thoughtfully selected serving platters, bowls, and boards communicate to your guests that every detail has been considered.”
Sift through secondhand shelves for antique platters and mixing-and-matching them with modern pieces that have a timeless component, suggests Walshe. White platters will never go out of style, as one example, and wood platters will always make a steady base for appetizers. Furthermore, these items don’t have to be saved for the special occasion of your party: You should use your event-appropriate serveware whenever you please.
2. A Mix of Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of a party, according to Dawn Ferris, owner and lead planner at Skylar Arden Events. If you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, don’t rely on overhead lighting to set the mood. Instead, have various light sources sprinkled throughout your home: A lamp near the entrance, string lights in the backyard, and tapered candles on the dinner table create ambiance you can still use when you’re off the hosting clock.
“When it comes to long-stem candles, I like to have non-drip, long-lasting ones on hand, so I don't have to worry that they're going to burn out quickly or ruin a linen,” says Ferris. “I place scented ones by the guest entrance and in the bathroom, but I always choose soy or other non-toxic options that won't bother anyone's allergies or cause headaches.” If your party is outdoors, don’t forget about battery-operated or rechargeable lights for surfaces, too.
3. Fresh Flowers
One of the easiest ways to make your home feel pulled together for a party is having fresh florals on display, says Walshe. They could brighten up a corner of your bathroom vanity, create a focal point on your kitchen island, or dress up the mantel in your living room. It’s a good idea to match your arrangement to an overall theme, and pay additional attention to which vase they’re in.
“The vessels are just as important as the flowers themselves,” he says. “A beautiful container can elevate even the simplest stems, while the wrong one can diminish the overall effect.” Once again, interesting vases are something you can collect over time—from spotting different options at garage sales to repurposing beautiful candle holders.
4. Drink Dispensers and Ice Bins
Guests tend to show up thirsty, and hosts have too much to oversee to add individualized serving to the mix. That’s why Ferris suggests always having large drink dispensers and ice bins at the ready. “Pre-batched drinks are lifesavers,” she says. “I like to make two options the evening before the party, such as an infused water, a cocktail, or a mocktail. If it's a larger event, I’ll still make sure to have water stations at each location as well as up to two pre-batched drinks on top of the bar.”
Then have a separate station for an ice bin, where guests can grab canned drinks on their own. For events where you’re hiring a caterer, always have a chat about ice. “Not all caterers automatically supply ice, so have that discussion ahead of time,” adds Ferris.
5. Elegant Linens
Tablescapes can be an intimidating concept to a host who just wants to have a few loved ones over on a regular basis, but you don’t have to go as far as a wedding-level display. If there’s one material you should invest in for hosting, it’s linen, says Walshe. “Linen is one of the most transformative investments you can make because they soften a space and bring everything together,” he says. “Italian linen is a particular favorite of mine. It has a relaxed elegance that feels timeless and only becomes more beautiful with age.”
Drape a linen tablecloth over the surface you’ll use to display summer barbecue, and do the same for a Thanksgiving feast. Linen has the versatility to be dressed up or down, so it’s the ideal backdrop for your hosting needs.
Keep your hosting arsenal simple, and your parties will largely be a success. “Guests rarely remember how many decorative features there were,” says Walshe. “They remember how comfortable they felt, how easily conversation flowed, and whether the evening felt effortless.”
Kelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.
