Tips for Hosting at Home Like a Pro | Collective
Preparing for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and if you have hosting holidays or Super Bowl parties in the back of your mind, don’t worry! We’ll unpack tips and tricks to help you host like a pro, and make your fall fun feel seamless. No matter the occasion, there are a few things you can do every time to ensure a well-planned event.
Planning Ahead
Every great event starts with a plan! Thinking about the space you have available, how many people you are planning to invite, themed decor, and how much food & beverage you will need to gather. A good rule of thumb is that each adult requires approximately 1 pound of food, or 6 servings of an appetizer.
If the number of people you want to invite exceeds the amount of space you have in your unit, reach out to your community manager about renting your community space if your apartment has one! Many apartments offer community space reservations either free or for a small deposit/fee. The best way to find out is by reaching out to your community manager.
Decorating Without Breaking The Bank
Have you ever had a vision, but once you start to fill your cart with all the supplies you need, you have racked up a total that feels way too high for the casual event you’ve been planning for you and your friends? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Here are a few things that you can do to help keep your total down without compromising the vibe you’re trying to create:
Start by making a list of the needs, wants, and “would be nice” items- Shop through your belongings and see if anything can be repurposed, upcycled, or utilized instead of purchasing something new (a little paint goes a long way!)
- Check out local thrift stores for decor items that match your theme. You’d be surprised by how many hidden gems you’ll find!
- Use colored disposable tablecloths that match your theme to make a big impact with a small dollar amount. (example: Black tablecloth for Halloween)
- In many cases, less is more! Your guest will be busy with the main event, socializing, and food, so the little details may not be as big as they seem.
Getting Your Space Ready to Host
When you have people in your home, you want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and there is plenty of seating for all. If you need to create more space, try moving larger furniture or items that could be in the way into an extra bedroom or storage space. THink about the flow of the room, what areas will be higher traffic than others, and where you want guests to spend most of their time.
Layout food with a clear start and finish, with plates and silverware at the front of the line, and finishing with napkins and desserts. Ensure that your garbage can is easy to access and empty before your company arrives (this will help make sure you don’t have to do a mid-party garbage run!).
Creating Ambience & Vibes
Playing light music and utilizing different lighting methods is an easy way to create an ambience and keep the energy of your event going (nobody likes awkward silence). Depending on who you’re inviting, the vibe of the room will differ. If you are inviting family members or friends, you may already know what preferences they have for music, but if you are inviting over new people, we recommend trying a neutral playlist like popular hits or a playlist that matches your event theme.
Remember To Have Fun!
Hosting can be stressful and overwhelming, especially in the days leading up to an event. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the process, take a deep breath, and remember your reason for why you’re hosting your event! Having your home filled with loved ones is a great way to spend holidays, watch parties, birthday’s and more. And if you forget some of these tips and tricks, save this blog for future reference to help you with all your planning needs. Happy hosting!
