Embarking on the journey to become an exceptional host involves a checklist that can seem interminable, yet the true art lies in staying serene on the day of the event and fully immersing yourself in the experience with your guests. The essence of a delightful gathering has little to do with flawlessness and everything to do with comfort. A seasoned host is acutely aware of what needs to be prioritized to ensure readiness without succumbing to anxiety or strain.
Here are 7 habits that a laid-back Southern host would never adopt.
Never delay the tidying up of your abode until the very day of the event. Avoid squandering valuable preparation time on polishing baseboards, buffing windows, or steam-cleaning floors. On the day itself, concentrate on the finishing touches: simplifying the living spaces, arranging the serving pieces, beautifying the dining table, and other surface-level tasks.
Similarly, an adept host understands that guests are more likely to notice the subtle touches, like a beautifully arranged hand towel near the sink, a fragrant candle on the countertop, or a soothing playlist in the background, rather than whether the windowsills are dusted. It’s all about cultivating ambiance rather than getting fixated on perfection. These nuances often go unnoticed by your guests.
Effortlessly maintaining a clean and orderly event is achievable by being ready to dispose of dirty dishes and glasses in a pinch. Preemptively running the dishwasher earlier in the day and ensuring it’s unloaded before hosting can be a game-changer. It allows for a ready-to-use empty dishwasher to collect cleanup contributions from guests or from the tables themselves.
The quickest route to hosting distress is by trying to manage every aspect yourself, from food and drink preparation to cleaning and bustling about to prevent any mishaps. Instead, embrace offers of assistance, whether it’s for mixing drinks or clearing dishes. Not only does this foster camaraderie and a relaxed atmosphere, but it also allows for a more enjoyable, less stressful experience.
Southerners may be prone to the misconception that an overabundance of food is necessary, but overcomplicating the menu is unnecessary. Plan for a selection of delightful appetizers or snack options, some lighter than others, and settle on a straightforward menu that complements the event. And there’s no need to create everything from scratch, especially when you’re multitasking. Embrace the convenience of store-bought dips or bakery desserts to save time and energy.
While offering beverages and ensuring guests have full glasses is a cornerstone of hosting, getting bogged down at the drink station can detract from the enjoyment of the party. Set up a self-service beverage area with all the necessary amenities, including a large batch cocktail dispenser and an ice-filled cooler. After attending to the initial beverage, step back and let the guests manage their own refreshments.
As a host, it’s disheartening to be confined to the kitchen throughout the gathering. Instead, prepare as much as possible the day before, have everything assembled before your guests arrive, and hold off on cleanup until afterward. Make every effort to be present, conversing with your guests, as it’s the more enjoyable approach.
