Move over, Martha Stewart
THIS IS HOW YOU ARE THE BEST HOST EVER
Believe me, there are indeed things I can do well, but putting together six courses without breaking a sweat and also setting an Instagram-worthy table... Not exactly my strong suit. However, I can listen and observe people who do have that talent very well, and that's how I glean the tips that make everyone who leaves your dinner think, ”How does she do it? How does she do it?” Here come the perfect-host-who-thinks-of-everything tips:
Ensure a warm welcome
Do you have a front yard? Then place two fire pits outside. Or garden candles that light the path to your door, setting the mood right away.
Welcome music
You might (might, this is a point you can skip if you want) consider an outdoor speaker to welcome your guests with some fitting music. It's also nice for the smokers when they step outside for a bit during the evening. They have both a basket to keep warm and some pleasant music. Just make sure they come back inside.
Also decorate the hallway and bathroom
Place some nice candles in the hallway. Preferably in a closed lantern for safety. I think a decorated bathroom also shows attention to detail. A nicely scented scented candle, rolled-up towels (which you can optionally spray with a favorite perfume), a nice hand soap and a matching cream, and possibly a fun little book to look at in case it takes a bit longer in there. Again, if you manage to have surround music, you score points on the ideal-host ranking.
A framed list
Tip from our Josselin. Look for a fitting quote on Pinterest that matches the feeling of the evening, the season, the color of the day. Print it out on nice paper and hang it in a frame. Not a basic essential at all, but this will be remembered, trust me.
Ice, ice, baby
Everything looks so chic and nice and luxurious when you have plenty of ice. Type ‘ice cubes’ into Google and you'll find the ice cube taxi, IJs2Go or De IJskoerier. They can deliver in the afternoon and have special boxes that keep your ice frozen. Also order some crushed ice to serve your oysters and other cold seafood on. Looks like a million dollars.
Don't forget the napkin
Make sure to have beautiful linen napkins. Don't have enough of the same kind? Then make a theme out of the mix. You can do the same with your dishes. Mix and match creates a really fun look. A nice detail is if you spray a home fragrance on the napkin so your guests can subtly smell it.
Goodiebag
This is the killer that completes it all. A small goodie bag when they leave. Maybe some aspirin for the hangover, fresh croissants, and a small jar of jam for the next morning.
I will let someone else take care of that whole dinner, by the way. There are limits. Especially to perfection.
(image via Pinterest).
Image 1
- Aruna B. Photography Steven Klein Image 2
- Image 3
- Guy Bailey Fotografie: Image 4
- Believe me, there are indeed things I can do well, but putting together six courses without breaking a sweat and also setting an Instagram-worthy table...
