The Happy Hostess: Tips for Stress-Free Party Hosting

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

With fall here and many holidays and special occasions on the way, it’s that time again to stop and think about hosting a get together or two for your friends and acquaintances. At times there can be nothing more stressful than the thought of a house full of guest waiting for you to play their happy hostess. There are tips and techniques, however, which you can adopt as your own to host fabulous events while enjoying them yourself!

Instead of worrying about brand new go eclectic chic! Whether you’re having your in-laws over or your new boss, don’t worry about the hassle and the cost of finding a brand new dinner set to suit the occasion. Instead of new, why not go for a vintage, eclectic feel instead? Very in style, mix up some of your current every day dinnerware, a couple family heirloom plates, and a couple great thrift shop finds for a mix and match setting.

Instead of having to fully stock a bar and worry about mixing cocktails, have a signature drink to go with the usual (beer, wine, soda, etc.). Pick a drink that you feel best suits the occasion, whether fresh fruit sangria or a warm, mulled wine, and have a batch ready for your guests as they arrive. Often you’ll find that your guests are especially happy to try something new, and will even ask you for the recipe as they leave.

Don’t be too proud to consult the professionals. So that you can enjoy your own party with less stress, make sure to follow two rules: don’t try new recipes and stick with what you know. In ‘sticking with what you know,’ be sure to utilize the resources around you: if you want to serve authentic Irish Soda Bread, why not order a loaf from the specialty restaurant in town? The same goes if you want a very specific appetizer that you've never made yourself: order it ahead and pick it up before your guests arrive. You’ll still have the menu that you want to serve without the worry of how it will turn out.

Instead of cooking and rushing on the day of, cook and ready as much as you can ahead of time. Cook whatever you can before hand to be heated up on the day of your party, or have it prepped to just be stuck in the oven. Set your table the day before and decorate as much as you can, according to your party plans. The more you have done before hand the more relaxed and easy going your hosting position will be.

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