In my book “The Happy Homemaker’s Handbook”, I have written a full section on hosting or hostessing.
There is plenty of info there but there are a few tips I’d like to add.
Firstly, sleep early the night before and wake up in good time.
Secondly, stay hydrated.
You should also make sure you eat something substantial so you are not starving by dinner time. If you have young children, feed them before party time. Complex carbs are a great choice.
Do as much as possible the day before.
If serving alcohol, ensure you don’t drink too much. A tipsy hostess is a problem.
Give yourself enough time to get a shower and dressed at least 20 minutes before your guests arrive.
Advance planning and prep is the best way I know of to feel relaxed when hosting anything. Have everything set to go so you don’t really have to do anything, other than enjoy your guests. You might want to delegate to hired help or a family member to do certain tasks so you can mingle as well.
Unless it’s an impromptu get together, which is, by its very nature a casual event, you can do almost everything ahead of time.
Dress suitably depending on the theme and make sure your footwear is comfortable.
Following these tips will allow you to enjoy hosting and your guests to have a good time because the hostess was amazing.
Don’t apologise for everything about your home or your cooking or your skills or, or, or…….. to your guests. A confident host is one that has done his/her best to create a warm atmosphere that will bring others together and make great memories and foster wonderful relationships. Now, THAT is impressive.