Hosting a party can be a nerve-racking experience.
Some guests are exceptionally hard to please, others are introverted and need some encouragement to let loose and enjoy themselves. Meanwhile, for the host, the pressure to create a memorable experience keeps mounting until it starts to get overwhelming.
But don’t worry. With the right approach and some prep, you can go from anxious organizer to confident planner in no time. Wondering where to begin? In this guide, we’ll share essential hosting tips for making guests comfortable, including conversation starters, hosting ideas, and tips for making guests feel at ease.
Start Planning Early
The best hosts get to work long before the big day. Whether you’re organizing an anniversary, a birthday, or a summer party, starting early makes everything smoother.
First, send out a warm, friendly invite that sets the tone for the event. Make sure you include all important details—the date, time, dress code, and more. Giving your guests a heads up goes a long way in making them more comfortable and prepared.
Simultaneously, work through the logistics.
– How many people do you plan to invite?
– Will they all fit in your home?
– Will you need to book a venue in Los Angeles?
– How will the guest list affect the flow of the evening?
The more meticulous you are in your pre-planning stage, the more confident you’ll be when hosting a party.
Set the Mood
It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing for guests at home or planning a pool party for the neighbourhood’s kids—ambiance matters.
If you’re hosting a sit down dinner, make sure the table is set, the backdrops are Instagram-worthy, and the guests are reminded to dress for the occasion.
If you’re planning something more laid-back, like a game night, make sure the room is well-lit and there’s enough seating for everyone.
It’s small details like these that make the party memorable, regardless of how grand or small your hosting ideas are.
Pay Attention to Catering
By far the best hosting tip we can give you is to focus on the food. Think about it—what is better at making guests feel at ease than their favorite meals?
Regardless of whether you opt for a home-cooked dinner, takeout, or catering in Glendale, make sure you account for every need. Take note of dietary preferences, or any specific allergies when you craft the menu.
Also take some time out to learn how to calculate food portions.
Perhaps, most crucially, match meals to your specific hosting idea or theme. For example, you could consider serving plated appetizers at an elegant evening affair, or a casual buffet-style meal when hosting guests in your backyard.
Looking for specific dishes you can serve? Our catering menu in Glendale can inspire you. Plus, when you work with us, we’ll help you plan out the logistics, and look after the service, leaving you with more time to focus on how to host guests. Win-win!
Plan Interactive Activities
Sometimes all a party needs to get going is a catalyst. That’s why one of the most prominent party hosting tips has always been to plan an activity that gets guests going.
This could take the form of a drinking game that breaks the ice, a selfie station that encourages guests to strike their best pose, or a list of conversation starters that gets tongues wagging. These are just a few among hundreds of activities known for making guests feel at ease.
Need some more hosting ideas? Why don’t you try:
- Bringing out the karaoke machine
- Playing two truths and a lie
- Hosting a talent/fashion show
With our help, you could even host a BBQ party without cooking, or an elegant sit-down dinner at a premium venue in LA.
No matter which of these hosting ideas you pick, remember the goal is to get guests to introduce themselves to each other and ensure that no one’s feeling left out. This goes a long way when hosting guests who may be introverted, new to the group, or just having a low day.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even the most experienced party planners delegate.
Whether you’re preparing for guests at home or managing a guest list in the hundreds, asking a friend or two to help share the burden isn’t a bad idea. In fact, it can get your guests more engaged with the party planning and invested in its success.
These don’t have to be a big task either.
Something as simple as putting a friend in charge of the music, or helping clear up after dinner can free up more of your time to be charming and make conversation. It’s also another effective strategy at making guests feel at ease. At the end of the day, it’s still you who’s hosting a party, not them.
Add Finishing Touches
Hosting a party requires attention to detail.
If you’re preparing for guests at home, for instance, make sure you’ve cleaned every nook and cranny. Then, do a final look-through: Are the bathrooms stocked and tidy? Are there enough chairs and glasses for everyone? Is the lighting warm and inviting?
Small touches—like a scented candle at the entryway, or a welcome drink tray near the door—can elevate the entire experience. They show that you care.
Ultimately, whether you’re managing a big celebration at a beautiful venue, or simply opening your doors for a cozy gathering at home, mastering how to host comes down to one thing: intention. Always plan a party with your guest’s comfort in mind.
Stay Calm and Trust the Experts
If you ask us how to host a great party, the answer is simple: relax. How can you expect your guests to have fun if you’re running around trying to control everything?
At Vivaldi Venues, we want to help take the pressure off. Our premium banquet halls in Los Angeles offer the perfect backdrop for all kinds of events. Our experienced team, on the other hand, is known for its impeccable catering and service. Whether you’re hosting your first event or your fiftieth, let us help you make your event a success.