7 Low-Effort Entertaining Hacks That Will Make You the Host With the Most
Get the party started in style.
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a few people over for dinner or inviting a crowd, let’s be honest: Hosting any kind of party is stressful. Does the table arrangement look Insta-worthy? Is there a good mix of food and drinks? Is everyone having fun!?
Okay, there are some things we can’t help you with, but if you’re looking for easy, low-effort ways to get your home party-ready, you’ve come to the right place. We asked a few entertaining experts to share their favorite hosting hacks anyone can copy. Really, anyone. Pocket these tips away for the next time you have people over to make being the host with the most less stressful.
Batch Beverages
If you want to bring a toast-worthy touch to your next soirée, create a signature drink. Don’t worry, Hilliary Bianca Salamanca of Circle of Friends says it’s easier than you think. “They’re something I can prep a few days in advance,” she says. “On the day of, I can easily pour guests a welcome drink without being stuck in the kitchen playing bartender all night.”
Busy playing host? Salamanca suggests setting out glassware on a tray so it’s easy for guests to serve themselves. If you’re far from a mixologist, add wine bottles or non-alcoholic beers over ice in a repurposed punch bowl for a similar effect.
RELATED: How to Make Tiny Cocktails at Home
Bite-Sized Blooms
You don’t need a big, bougie bouquet to have a beautiful tablescape: Shelly Deaton, owner and co-founder of EarthSpoke Farms, prefers smaller setups. “Make several little arrangements and group them down the table,” she says. “You only need a stem or two in each vessel, so you can create something abundant-looking with surprisingly little material.”
While Deaton has no shortage of fresh blooms at her U-Pick dahlia farm in Mendocino, California, she says store-bought is also fine.
“I loved to grow bunches of a single flower and create my own palette by mixing and matching what I found in the store,” she shares. “But if ready-made bouquets are all that’s available, buy a few of the same bouquet and take them apart.”
According to Deaton, grouping flowers by variety and color creates “a more intentional, collected feel” and adds character as the different blooms move down a table.
Layered Lighting
Mood lighting is always non-negotiable, but a gorgeous glow is even more important at a big gathering.
“Warm, dim lighting creates a moody, restaurant-like vibe that instantly feels more elevated,” says Amber Mayfield Hewett, founder of To Be Hosted and author of Your Turn to Host. “The right lighting will signal to your guests that it's to come in, relax, and get comfortable.”
While Hewett likes to line portable lamps or votive candles down a table, Salamanca also illuminates unexpected nooks and crannies. “I light candles not just where the party is taking place but also at the entryway and in the bathrooms so the scent flows throughout the house,” she explains.
Pepper in Produce
Candles and florals are gorgeous, but if you want to take your table setup to the next level, look to your menu for inspiration.
“I use extra produce from the meal, like scattering tomatoes on the table or putting herbs from my garden in a pitcher or vase as a centerpiece,” Salamanca shares.
Not only does picking up a few extra ingredients at the grocery store create a thematic display, but it’s also poised to get lots of compliments.
RELATED: Pears Are the Unexpected Fruit to Decorate With This Fall
Drop a Beat
A great party is multi-sensory, so music is a must. “I put a playlist on before the party starts to get the vibes going early,” Hewett says. “It also serves as a collection of all the songs, genres, and music I enjoy, so I can always turn to this playlist as the starting point for my party music curation.”
Salamanca agrees and says her rotates through a few playlists. A current favorite? This vibey lineup from Hotel Costes.
Double Down on Details
The devil might lie in the details, but it’s also what will turn your house into a party venue. Menus and decorations might be important, but it’s equally crucial to zero-in on some of the most overlooked spaces. For Hewett, that’s the bathroom.
“A great-smelling hand soap and lotion set in your powder room is a must,” she says. “I also like soft, disposable hand towels: They are not necessarily economical, but guests will appreciate the choice.”
Pro tip: Place your towels in a tray to make this utilitarian space feel special.
Vibe Check
Hosting can be overwhelming, but remember: As the party-thrower, you’re setting the vibe.
“Be calm and welcoming,” Salamanca says. “If a hostess is overwhelmed when guests arrive, guests will feel that energy throughout the night!”
In other words? Have fun. “Release the reigns on the plan,” Hewett says. “Be a present host, mess things up, laugh too loud, dance, and guests will follow your lead.”
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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