Let’s be honest, hosting an event at your home can bring a myriad of emotions. We’ve all experienced the mix of excitement and stress, joy and overwhelm. And a funny thing that often happens when you begin preparations? You start noticing your home’s shortcomings. There’s not enough space, the layout doesn’t work, the sofa is ugly… the list goes on.
Obviously, a few days before you host an event is not the time to begin knocking down walls. What you may not know, however, is that it is the perfect time to begin planning for a renovation down the road. I’m sharing some quick fixes to common entertaining challenges that you can put into action right now, and also some long-term solutions that you can add to your renovation plans so next year’s parties will be totally stress-free.
Entertaining Challenge #1: Feeling Overwhelmed as the Host
Overwhelm probably tops that list of emotions leading up to your event. While you’ll likely coordinate many moving pieces prior to the party, you may feel even busier during the event making sure everyone has what they need. The result? You’re probably not having much fun.
Designer’s Quick Fix: Make an intentional shift in focus from trying to do it all yourself to being present with your guests. Before the party, set up a self-serve drink or snack station so guests can help themselves and you don’t feel tied to the kitchen or bar. Position small signage around your space to direct guests where to find what they need.
Next Season Solution: Outsourcing is the answer, my friend! Just as cleaning and meal prep services bring ease to your life, hiring a service like Party Host Helpers will allow you to breathe a big sigh of relief. They manage tasks like refilling drinks, clearing plates, or assisting with setup and cleanup, allowing you to actually enjoy your own event. Not only will your stress be reduced, but you’ll be able to focus on spending quality time with your guests — the ultimate goal of entertaining.
Entertaining Challenge #2: Endless Clutter
If you’re like most who lead active lives, clutter accumulates throughout your home over time. You may be able to live around it until the next big cleaning day, but it certainly won’t be appealing or appropriate during your event.
Designer’s Quick Fix: The clutter simply must go. Clear countertops, coffee tables, and sideboards to open up visual space and reduce the feeling of overcrowding. Hide away larger items you don’t need during the event – you’ll likely gain more room for seating and guests to stand.
Next Season Solution: Spoiler Alert: stuffing the stray items from your countertops into a random cabinet isn’t an effective long-term solution. Instead, hire a professional organizer like The Clutter Curator to help optimize your kitchen cabinets and pantry. This is a year-round investment that will not only make entertaining easier but will also streamline your daily routines. Less stress in preparation for the event and just getting your morning coffee.
Entertaining Challenge #3: Flow and Space Constraints
Have you attended an event that didn’t have a layout conducive to its purpose? Awkward to say the least. It may be difficult to visualize the flow of people through your home before they actually ring the doorbell and step inside, but bottlenecks and awkward gathering areas do unfortunately happen.
Designer’s Quick Fix: Mitigate flow and space issues by planning for your specific type of gathering. Whether you’re hosting a simple drinks and apps evening or a full sit-down meal, temporarily move or repurpose furniture to create supporting flow for what’s most appropriate. If you need additional seating, use ottomans or poufs around the coffee table or side table. Set up separate drink and food stations to avoid bottlenecks.
Next Season Solution: If you’ll complete a renovation or furnishing project in the coming months, plan your furniture and decor layout with entertaining in mind. Be sure to consider the frequency and type of events you like to host, and plan a design that can support them no matter the season. Opt for built-in shelves, cabinets, or dedicated buffet stations that can help keep things organized while adding functionality to your space.
Entertaining Challenge #4: Lighting Issues
Have you ever been enjoying an evening at a restaurant or bar and suddenly, the lights go on and you’re left feeling exposed? Overhead lighting has a time and place, but creating some warmth with ambient lighting will reduce that feeling of discomfort for your guests.
Designer’s Quick Fix: You may have heard about the magic of layering lighting. Creating a comprehensive lighting plan that includes layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting likely won’t be possible before your event. But you can use table and floor lamps you already own and mix in a few candles to create a cozy ambiance. Even making a simple switch to warmer-toned light bulbs will make a world of difference.
Next Season Solution: With time on your side, you can invest in a new lighting plan that includes dimmable lights or a smart lighting system that allows you to adjust the mood depending on the type of event. Make updates to any harsh or non-functional light fixtures.
Entertaining Challenge #5: Flat Sensory Experience
Take a moment and recall a space that resonated deeply with you. I’d be willing to bet that you were drawn to more than just the appearance of the space. Good design is not just about how things look — it’s about creating a sensory experience.
Go Beyond the Aesthetics: Take other senses into consideration when preparing your home for entertaining. Add some background music through your TV or stream your favorite Spotify station on a small portable speaker if you don’t have large speakers.
Scent can also create a memorable experience for your guests. There are plenty of scents associated with the holidays, but if you want a neutral yet refreshing scent, a combination of warm, earthy, and crisp notes will be festive without being overpowering. Here are a few candle scent combinations that strike the perfect balance:
- Cedarwood & Vanilla: Cedarwood brings a subtle woodsy, earthy tone, while vanilla adds warmth and a soft sweetness, creating a comforting yet neutral scent.
- Eucalyptus & Mint: This combination is crisp and invigorating without being too bold. Eucalyptus brings a fresh, clean scent, while mint adds a cooling effect, perfect for balancing the cozy feel of holiday décor.
- Sandalwood & Sage: Sandalwood is earthy and grounding, while sage brings a subtle herbal freshness. Together, they create a scent that feels calming, neutral, and refined for the holiday season.
- Citrus & Fir: The citrus adds a refreshing, zesty note while fir provides a touch of evergreen that’s holiday-appropriate without being overly festive. The result is fresh and bright.
- Lavender & Pine: Lavender’s floral calmness pairs well with the clean, crisp aroma of pine, offering a subtle scent that’s soothing and natural, yet reminiscent of the holiday season.
Entertaining This Year and Beyond
At the end of the day, know that you don’t need the largest house, the nicest furniture, the finest stemware and flatware, or even cloth napkins to be a great host. Whether your event is for 2 people or 20, hosting is about creating an environment that nourishes your relationships. As my designer friend says, “If you love your space and feel comfortable in it, other people will, too.”
I hope that my quick tips will help bring ease to your entertaining events this year. And if you’re ready to make some bigger changes that will affect hosting in the future, I’d love to help. After your event, take a few mental notes about what could have been better and reach out to me here. Together, we’ll create a home you’ll be proud to share with your favorite people.
Warmly,
Kristen
