I love having people over. Hospitality is one of my spiritual gifts so I thrive when I am planning a party, a get together, or just having a few friends over for the evening. I’ve always loved having people over but years ago the “getting ready to have people over” part used to give me a little anxiety. I was on the constant search for how to be a good hostess and not let it stress me out. Then a few years ago I got some great tips from a friend of mine that made the planning part easier, and completely stress-free. So today I’m sharing those tips with you, so that you too can learn how to be a good hostess, and not have anxiety if an unexpected guest drops by!
Snacks
Whether you are planning on having people over, or they just happen to stop by, it’s always good to be prepared. Having snacks for your guests, is very important so here’s a list of items that should become new pantry/refrigerator staples.
* Mixed nuts
* Crackers
* Hummus
* Assorted cheeses
* Chips
* Salsa* Chocolate
* Fresh fruit
* Veggies that are easy to cut up
* Green olives
Drinks
Your guests will feel extra special when you can offer them something delicious to drink! My mother-in-law is the queen of this, she always has something fun to offer us when we stop by for a visit! Here are a few drink items that are easy to keep on hand, and will make your guests feel like you were just waiting for them to drop by!
* Sparkling water
* Soda
* Wine
* Champagne
* Beer
* Mixed drink assortment
* Juice
I don’t ever buy sparkling water or soda but if you stop by my house I would be happy to mix you up a mojito, offer you a beer or make you some fresh lemonade!
Dessert
Remember how you used to go over to grandma’s house and she would always have cookies ready for you? My grandma’s were never homemade but I still remember looking forward to eating her cookies! Having a dessert, that’s easy to whip up, is just one more way to make your guests feel special. At any given moment I am prepared to make chocolate chip cookies, molten lava cakes or a mixed berry crumble. Having a few simple ingredients on hand to make these (or any other dessert) will build memories with your friends and family, and your guests will leave with the impression that they were truly welcome.
Quick clean up
And last but not least a clean bathroom is always important! If you have kids, a messy living room, and a lived-in looking house, is to be expected, but a dirty bathroom is just gross. If you know you have just a few minutes before your guests are stopping by, head to the bathroom and give it a quick clean.
* Wipe up the sink
* Wipe off mirrors
* Wipe off the toilet
* Clean up hair, dust, etc.
* Empty trash
* Set out a new hand towel
Click HERE to read my full post on how to {fake} a clean bathroom.
With these few tips, and new pantry/fridge staples you will be deemed the “hostess with the mostess”! Now you will look forward to inviting friends over at the last minute or having people drop by. Since I learned these tips I love hostessing even more and I always look forward to having people over, I just wish I could do it more often! So if you happen to be in the area, stop by to say hi and we can enjoy a cocktail and some fresh baked cookies on the back patio, while the kids jump on the trampoline!
Is it okay for the hostess to not have any of the dessert she made?
Of course! It’s your party, your rules. 🙂