Home & Garden
5 Simple Tips To Make Hosting Fun & Easy
Stressed by the thought of hosting? Planning ahead, checking in with guests and staying relaxed are the secrets to hosting like a pro.
This article is sponsored by Ring, a paid advertiser on Patch. All prices and savings listed in this post are as of publication and could change; Patch may earn a commission on products purchased.
Whether you're planning a delightful dinner party or welcoming overnight guests, the thought of hosting can sometimes feel overwhelming. But fear not! With just a touch of preparation and the right mindset, you can say goodbye to stress and transform hosting into an enjoyable experience. Here are five simple tips that are bound to make hosting a fun and easy task that you enjoy as much as your guests.
1. Plan Ahead
One of the key elements to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable hosting experience is planning things ahead of time. It’s important to take the needs and preferences of your guests into consideration. Asking guests beforehand if they have any allergies, dietary restrictions or special requests will help everyone feel comfortable and accommodated during their visit and give you peace of mind while entertaining.
This thoughtful approach also applies to overnight guests. Prioritize their comfort by providing clean sheets and towels, toiletries and even a bottle of water in their room. Attention to these details will go a long way in creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for your guests throughout their stay.
There’s a good chance that you’ll be busy in the kitchen when guests arrive — but with the help of Battery Doorbell Plus, the upgraded doorbell from Ring featuring super clear HD+ video and a tall Head-to-Toe field of view compared to the previous generation, you’ll be able to welcome them in immediately. You can even use the Two-Way Talk feature to invite your guests inside while you put the finishing touches on your meal.
Battery Doorbell Plus is great for keeping up with what’s happening at your front door — and interacting with visitors — when you’re away, too. Thanks to HD+ Video in 1536p and Color Night Vision, you'll have a super clear view of whoever stops by, even after the sun goes down.
Battery Doorbell Plus comes with a 30-day trial of Ring Protect¹. With a Ring Protect subscription, you can record videos to review, save and share. Ring videos that are stored in the cloud are stored temporarily for up to 180 days.²
2. Create A Warm And Welcoming Ambiance
When hosting guests, you want your home to be an inviting space that exudes warmth and hospitality. Aside from cleanliness, one of the first things guests typically notice when entering a home is the way it smells.
Infuse your home with inviting fragrances like this vanilla cake scented candle from La Jolie Muse. Not only does burning it add a pleasant aroma, but the soft flickering candlelight also contributes to a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Another simple way to help guests feel more at ease is to eliminate beverage confusion with the help of drink markers. Maitys makes a 24-piece set of magnetic jewel glass charms that are both sophisticated and practical, particularly during gatherings with multiple guests.
And when you’re busy entertaining and mingling inside, Floodlight Cam Wired Pro can help you keep an eye on things outside. Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is ideal for helping protect large outdoor areas like the driveway or backyard with motion-activated LED floodlights, 1080p HD video and a built-in 115dB security siren (level measured at 4 in/10 cm distance). Customize motion zones in the Ring app to fine-tune which areas you want to focus on, and eliminate blindspots or dark areas with built-in Color Night Vision and two LED floodlights. You can also use the Ring app to see what's happening outside, turn on the lights, speak to visitors and even sound the siren if needed. Easily hardwire Floodlight Cam Wired Pro to the outside of your home and connect to Wi-Fi for around-the-clock power and peace of mind.
Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery or Plug-In) can also help protect critical spots outside your home, keeping dark walkways and corners well-lit. Features like 1080p HDR video, a 140 degree field of view and Color Night Vision let you see in live view everything happening at home, no matter what time it is. Simply mount Spotlight Cam Pro, adjust the viewing angle and consider the area covered. Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery) has a wire-free design and a rechargeable battery that swaps in and out without messing up the current setup, keeping it powered day and night, rain or shine. Spotlight Cam Pro (Plug-In) comes with an included Hardwired kit, but if the power goes out, you can switch to the rechargeable backup battery, also included, without messing with your setup.
Both Spotlight Cam Pro and Floodlight Cam Wired Pro come with a 30-day trial of Ring Protect¹. With a Ring Protect subscription, you can record videos to review, save and share. Ring videos that are stored in the cloud are stored temporarily for up to 180 days.²
3. Craft A Thoughtful Dining Experience
Putting thought into the menu is a crucial aspect of hosting that can make or break the guest experience. First and foremost, you should offer a diverse selection of beverages that cater to guests’ different preferences.
Have an assortment of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, such as wines, beers, cocktails, mocktails and refreshing infused waters. This ensures that everyone can find a drink they enjoy. Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of Mocktail Party, a book containing 75 non-alcoholic cocktail recipes for every occasion.
As the host, it’s polite for you to offer guests their first drink. However, as the night goes on, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to refresh everyone’s drink. Setting up a beverage tub, such as this classic galvanized metal ice bucket from True Store, allows guests to view their options and refill their own drinks. This also takes some pressure off of you as the host.
Additionally, it's essential to get a good estimate of the amount of food and drinks you'll need. The last thing you want is to run out! The general guideline is to plan for a bit more than you think you'll need to accommodate unexpected appetites and ensure an impressive spread. By putting thought into your menu, you'll create a memorable experience where no one goes thirsty or hungry, leaving your guests happy and satisfied.
4. Check In With Guests To Ensure Comfort
As a thoughtful host, it's important to create a welcoming atmosphere that goes beyond the physical space. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or overnight guests, take the time to check in with them and ensure they are comfortable. If your guests have been traveling, it's considerate to ask if they would like some time to decompress, be alone or even take a nap.
When hosting a dinner party, make a genuine effort to engage with each guest and attend to their needs. According to Emily Post Etiquette, “It's your job to run the show and let your guests know when it's time for dinner, or dessert or charades. Circulate among your guests, introduce newcomers and stay with each group long enough to get a conversation going.”
However, it's important to be perceptive and not force interactions if someone seems disinterested or prefers to enjoy the evening more quietly. By incorporating these thoughtful check-in practices and tending to individual needs, your guests will feel cared for in your home.
5. Relax!
As a host, one of the most important things you can do is to relax and enjoy the company of your guests. When you are calm and at ease, it creates a welcoming and stress-free environment for everyone. Remember, your guests are there to spend time with you and enjoy the gathering, not to scrutinize every detail. Embrace the idea that not everything needs to be perfect for people to have a good time.
If you're heading out with your guests to give a tour of the town or see local sights, you can still keep an eye on things at home with the help of the Stick Up Cam Battery.
This versatile security camera allows you to monitor both indoors and outdoors, giving you peace of mind and the ability to check in on your home when you're not physically present. With the Ring App, you can easily view Live Video, receive notifications and even communicate with your guests through the Two-Way Talk feature, ensuring that you're always connected even if you're momentarily away.
Need more help relaxing about what’s happening at home? Start building your ring of home security with Cameras, Doorbells, Lighting, Alarms and more from Ring!
¹Free trial not applicable for locations with an existing Ring Protect Plus or Protect Pro subscription. Your free trial begins as soon as you activate your Ring product. See Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.
²To keep videos beyond your trial, subscribe to Ring Protect, which allows videos to be stored in the cloud temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting.