If you’ve ever searched for tips on how to make hosting less stressful, you’ve landed in the right place. I always tell Chad that I’m a collector of really great people — and I’ve been so blessed with the people in my life. But, I also think a big part of that is because I put effort into bringing people in!
I always ask, what is the point of having a home if you’re not using it to bring people together? To share experiences, celebrate the big things, and just the everyday occasions too.
I know we all have different comfort levels when it comes to hosting. Some people love it, some people loathe it — and I think the reason some people loathe it is because they think it has to be this big ordeal. It really doesn’t!
Whether you’re planning a full dinner party or just having a few friends over on a random weeknight, it can be as easy as saying, “Hey, bring your favorite dessert and meet us at 5pm.” You don’t have to put up a banner. You don’t have to do anything special. Hosting can be as simple or as extra as you want it to be. Here are my top three dinner party hosting tips — and really, tips for hosting any kind of gathering — that have completely changed the way I entertain.
TIP #1: JUST PUT OUT THE INVITATION
This is step one of any tips for hosting a party, and honestly it’s the whole thing. If you want to have friends, if you want to gather, if you want to have sunshine in your life — you have to create that sunshine. Decide what you’re going to do and put out the invite. Don’t make it difficult.
It doesn’t have to be hard, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just extend the invitation. That’s it. Everything else can be figured out from there.
TIP #2: HAVE FUNCTIONAL PIECES FOR HOSTING THAT YOU LOVE
One of my biggest dinner party hosting tips is this: stop reinventing the wheel. If you’re someone who loves to host and loves making it feel a little more special, invest in a few useful products for hosting that you genuinely love and can pull out again and again. This alone is one of the best ways to make hosting less stressful, because everything you need is already there waiting for you.
Think of a tablecloth you love, a nice set of mixing bowls (there’s an adorable one at Walmart for $14!), a letter board, or even the same Happy Birthday banner you pull out every single time. It’s easy, it’s memorable, and your guests will love that it’s your thing. A little centerpiece, a few go-to decor pieces, just simple things that live in your home so you’re never stressing about it last minute.
TIP #3: COOK LESS (YES, REALLY)
If you want to know how to make hosting less stressful, this is probably the tip that will make the biggest difference: cook less. If cooking is your love language and being in the kitchen is the best part of hosting for you, then by all means, go for it. But if a dirty kitchen and a pile of dishes before your guests even arrive is what’s holding you back, you have full permission to let that go.
I am really good at knowing where to order catering from. I have a few staple salads I can throw together fast. Everything does not have to be from scratch. You don’t have to cook at all. And you can always ask people to bring a side or a dessert — that’s not a burden, that’s community.
A few things that have worked really well for me when hosting a party:
- Nothing Bundt mini cakes (they look beautiful and feel special)
- Crumbl mini cookies (the perfect size, always gorgeous)
- Costco mini chocolate chip cookies if you know kids are coming
Your local bakery usually has pre-cut cakes and brownies too. And one of my favorite tricks: grab muffins and cut them in half or even in fourths. You don’t have to serve anything whole! It’s all about the spread and the feeling, not the effort behind it.
Bonus Reminder
You create your own sunshine. You create your own happiness in this life. And I personally don’t think anything will bring you more joy than having the people you love — or want to know better — in your home. It creates really special relationships and memories, and helps life feel a little more special.
USEFUL PRODUCTS FOR HOSTING
PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
Good music completely changes the feeling of hosting. Even if the meal is simple or the house isn’t perfectly clean, playing music instantly makes people feel comfortable and welcomed. This portable Bluetooth speaker is compact enough to move around, but the sound is actually so good — and it looks really cute sitting on a shelf or kitchen counter.
SNACK/CHIP AND DIP TRAY
better homes & gardens bamboo melamine chip and dip tray
Cute, functional, top-rack dishwasher safe, and makes even store-bought snacks look intentional. The floral pattern feels cheerful and elevated without trying too hard — and it’s under $20. This chip and dip tray is perfect for girls’ nights, summer hosting, birthdays, or just a random weeknight.
PRETTY TABLECLOTH
pioneer woman eyelet tablecloth
One simple, versatile piece you can pull out over and over again. It makes your table feel finished in under two minutes and works for birthdays, holidays, casual dinners, or just having friends over on a random weeknight. This tablecloth makes hosting beautiful while keeping it easy.
BEVERAGE DISPENSER
A drink dispenser is one of those little hosting touches that makes people feel so welcomed the second they walk in. Whether it’s lemonade, mocktails, or ice water with lemons and limes, it creates that “help yourself and stay awhile” feeling. Affordable, lightweight, and the gold details make it feel elevated without being fussy.
There are even more hosting pieces below — keep scrolling for everything I love to have on hand when people are coming over!
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