What is HOSTING and how to do it

I, personally, LOVE hosting. But there are so many different ways to host. Hosting is a crucial part of your social life regardless of if you realize it.

Now, what is hosting? To put it simply, it is inviting people to an event you have planned, typically in your own home. As a Hostess you always want your guests to feel at leisure in the space you’ve made.

But how? That always depends on the type of party you are having, but here are a few basics you should know about hosting:

Though a written-out paper invitation is not necessary, who doesn’t love receiving one? An invitation is like the cherry on top of your perfectly planned party. They should always include the start and end time, the address, the schedule, and if you are feeling fancy a menu. Invitations are my favorite part because it is fun to both send them out and receive them. Design them to your events theme and just go crazy with it. Add in a bit of your personality. Your guests will love it.

By inviting your guests to the event, you have extended the offer of a fun and enjoyable experience. A wide smile and a delightful disposition do so much to loosen people up, especially if they don’t know everyone there. At the beginning of the gathering, you should mingle towards the entrance, but not at the door, (the guests will need a second to get their bearings before you greet them, you will just be pouncing on them right at the door.) to welcome them and thank them for coming. Always thank them for coming at the beginning and the end of the party. Throughout the gathering make sure to wonder around the full party, do not stay in one place, chat with all of the guests so none of them feel left out and uncomfortable. Remember, you are hosting them so host!

Make sure your guests are always comfortable, before, during, and after their stay. Before the party ask any necessary questions, such as, do they have any allergies you should be aware of? If they are bringing a plus one whom you don’t know, learn about them in order to spark up conversation and be friendly. During the gathering keep an eye on everyone, if someone appears uncomfortable go up to them. Sometimes they are just nervous but other times they may need help and are afraid to ask. If any of your guests ever need help do not make a scene of it. After the party send out thank you notes, thank you notes have a certain appealing charm to them.

Proper scheduling is what will give your gathering the flow it needs. If someone asks when something is happening you shouldn’t respond along the lines of “I don’t know, it’ll happen whenever!” Things will be forgotten and/or messy with this. Plan it all out long before the day you are hosting the event. When deciding on a day to hold it you should lightly consult your guests about when they are available so that they are more likely to come, but do not feel pressured to completely plan around them. When it comes to the actual party, plan out the entire thing, such as when people should arrive, when you will have your meal or finger foods, games or activities, and a departure time. Having a set schedule will put both you and your guests at ease.

Never forget that some people will be late but more importantly some people will be early! Start prepping for you party as early as possible. Wake up in the morning and start cleaning, cooking, and primping (of course). Try to be ready for the gathering an hour before the start time, this will allow you to go over any little things you may have forgotten as well as be prepared for any early arrivals. Being unprepared when people arrive will make them feel unwelcomed, you must always be on top of that. My mother taught me that by being punctual you are respecting others time.

In case you didn’t notice, almost all of these things are mannerisms. Ultimately being a good hostess is all about how you carry yourself. A smile goes so far, people will talk about how lovely your party was. Others will discuss going to other events you are hosting. Mannerisms ladies, it’s all about confidence.