The no stress motto-YES!! As an also easy stress monger, I try to prepare in advance too. I am not a baker sadly (something about all that math and chemistry) so I outsource dessert. My tip is go to your favorite bakery and pick the most yummy looking fruit pie or galette, also throw in some pretty little cookies. And serve them on something fancy! I have an antique tiered dessert platter. I also always serve some little Lindt chocos or local chocos because some people only want a little sweet and not a huge dessert after all the lovely feasting. You cannot go wrong with an apple crumble and Lindt balls!! Haha!
Your ice bucket note made me chuckle. I stumbled upon an amazing ice bucket at a vintage fall market and snapped it up right away (for the crazy price of $25...not sure they knew its actual value!) It's heavy, footed and a beautiful shape I love! When its not in use for a gathering I use it as a rotating display piece with seasonal dried or fresh greenery/flowers. The only (slight) downside is its silver plated, so as the "patina" starts to get a bit too dark, I have to give it a polish.
My mom is the consummate hostess. People ask her how she avoids stressing out, and her answer always shocks them—if all else fails, I’ll order pizza!! She preps and preps, but knows that at the end of the day, it’s not about the food, it’s about people feeling welcome and fed, and that if she runs out of food or extra people show up, she’ll just order pizza. In 40 years of hosting, she’s only done it two or three times, but everyone has fond memories of those parties! Also, for bigger parties, labeling the dishes with a post it with what goes onto can help you not forget and allows others to more easily help.
I would add that if you don’t want to get a bartender, ask a bestie/boyfriend/sister to pour drinks as people come in so you’re not focused on it. This can also make the shy person who doesn’t know anyone a lot more comfortable if you ask them to help- it’s an easy way for them to feel included!
batch cocktails are truly outstanding..for my last gathering i batched classic negronis, espresso martini (Baileys on the side) and for a twist, a reposado manhattan...all big hits ;)
I love your suggestions for being organized! I also love to plan ahead and create a spreadsheet with the menu, what it will be served on, and when it will be prepared. Having a timeline really helps. I also fully buy in to Martha Stewart's tip of setting the table the day before the party, when you have the time to focus on it, so it does not get short-changed on the day of the party.
I always recommend searching brands or similar trends “i.e. shell dish” on Etsy — you can find some great stuff for a fraction of the price. But if there’s ever something you are drooling over and it’s too pricy, please just let me know, and I’ll try my best to find a more affordable alt. I definitely splurge here, buying a few pieces a year to make a collection, but I get it!!!
My friend Julie is also an introvert hostess and she made one of those DIY letter banners for a holiday party years ago that says “please leave by 9” and it gets pulled out anytime she entertains. It’s amazing!
The no stress motto-YES!! As an also easy stress monger, I try to prepare in advance too. I am not a baker sadly (something about all that math and chemistry) so I outsource dessert. My tip is go to your favorite bakery and pick the most yummy looking fruit pie or galette, also throw in some pretty little cookies. And serve them on something fancy! I have an antique tiered dessert platter. I also always serve some little Lindt chocos or local chocos because some people only want a little sweet and not a huge dessert after all the lovely feasting. You cannot go wrong with an apple crumble and Lindt balls!! Haha!
Lindt balls forever!
Your ice bucket note made me chuckle. I stumbled upon an amazing ice bucket at a vintage fall market and snapped it up right away (for the crazy price of $25...not sure they knew its actual value!) It's heavy, footed and a beautiful shape I love! When its not in use for a gathering I use it as a rotating display piece with seasonal dried or fresh greenery/flowers. The only (slight) downside is its silver plated, so as the "patina" starts to get a bit too dark, I have to give it a polish.
That sounds like an amazing steal!!!! xx
Dare I say happy hour is almost always my favorite part of the dinner party? Love the snacks callout
Couldn’t agree more!
My mom is the consummate hostess. People ask her how she avoids stressing out, and her answer always shocks them—if all else fails, I’ll order pizza!! She preps and preps, but knows that at the end of the day, it’s not about the food, it’s about people feeling welcome and fed, and that if she runs out of food or extra people show up, she’ll just order pizza. In 40 years of hosting, she’s only done it two or three times, but everyone has fond memories of those parties! Also, for bigger parties, labeling the dishes with a post it with what goes onto can help you not forget and allows others to more easily help.
I would add that if you don’t want to get a bartender, ask a bestie/boyfriend/sister to pour drinks as people come in so you’re not focused on it. This can also make the shy person who doesn’t know anyone a lot more comfortable if you ask them to help- it’s an easy way for them to feel included!
I could not love this advice more — it’s completely true!!!!!!
The bartender tip is clutch! I'm investing in one for all house parties going forward.
it really is! The woman I work with here is $30 an hour. For a few hours? It’s life changing!
Yes! The one we use also brings glassware and takes it away at the end of the night and leaves a clean kitchen and no washing up 🙌🏻
oh that is incredible!
Very timely - hosting Galentines tonight! Thank you, back to cleaning my house & making it look like no one lives here. 😝
Perfect — hope it went so well!
batch cocktails are truly outstanding..for my last gathering i batched classic negronis, espresso martini (Baileys on the side) and for a twist, a reposado manhattan...all big hits ;)
Incredible!!!! So smart.
I love your suggestions for being organized! I also love to plan ahead and create a spreadsheet with the menu, what it will be served on, and when it will be prepared. Having a timeline really helps. I also fully buy in to Martha Stewart's tip of setting the table the day before the party, when you have the time to focus on it, so it does not get short-changed on the day of the party.
I set the table the night before too!!!! It really helps!
Ugh! I love everything, but most of it is way too expensive. I wish!
I always recommend searching brands or similar trends “i.e. shell dish” on Etsy — you can find some great stuff for a fraction of the price. But if there’s ever something you are drooling over and it’s too pricy, please just let me know, and I’ll try my best to find a more affordable alt. I definitely splurge here, buying a few pieces a year to make a collection, but I get it!!!
You are the best!!!
My friend Julie is also an introvert hostess and she made one of those DIY letter banners for a holiday party years ago that says “please leave by 9” and it gets pulled out anytime she entertains. It’s amazing!