A how-to for hosting at home
Hosting an event at home can be an affordable way to gather with family and friends. According to a survey conducted by Talker Research, hosting events at home saw a significant resurgence in recent years. In 2024-2025, 72% of Americans said they preferred to stay in with friends rather than go out. In addition, 59% of survey participants indicated they had hosted at least one event in their home over the past year.
Hosting at home requires a balance of hospitality and logistics. Here are some guidelines for hosting like a pro while also remaining connected to guests.
• Stick to what’s tried and true. It’s important to stick to tried-and-true recipes or products when preparing for the event. Never try a new, complex recipe or even a new restaurant or caterer you haven’t vetted. Stick to foods that can be prepared in advance and easily heated up or served.
• Clean what’s seen. You do not have to deep-clean the entire house; focus attention on removing clutter and preparing the spaces guests will see the most. That includes the entryway, kitchen/dining room and the bathroom. Ensure there is plenty of accessible toilet paper in bathrooms, and regularly check the bathrooms to see if a fresh hand towel is needed or a spritz of room spray.
• Remove clutter. Having extra people in the home might necessitate some creativity with furniture. Temporarily move bulkier items like sectionals or large dining tables out of the space in lieu of folding chairs and tables. This gives more breathing room and a greater number of seating options.
• Have snacks ready. Guests will expect to be fed and there’s no telling when they last ate. Offer a small selection of finger foods, like nuts, chips, fruit, or fresh vegetables and dips, to keep the hunger pangs at bay until the main course is ready to be served.
• Maintain low lighting. People will feel more comfortable when you establish a serene environment. Guests should notice a change in mood when they enter the home from outside. Dimmer lighting offered by lamps, candles or even string lights is less intense and imparts a cozier feel. Low lighting also hides any overlooked nooks and crannies that escaped the duster or broom.
• Have music ready to play. Walking into a quiet home can be intimidating for guests. Instead, have a music playlist going at least 15 minutes prior to the official start time of the event. Keep the volume at a level where conversation remains easy. The music should be mid-tempo and upbeat, prioritizing songs that are familiar to others. While there are plenty of playlists available, AI is a nice tool to use for curating a song list for the type of event you’re hosting.
• Make foods safe and accessible. Place the buffet table off the wall so guests can access the food from both sides, which cuts down on bottlenecks in the home. Use signs or cards to label dishes so that those who have dietary restrictions will know what they can eat safely.
• Hire a service. Unless you can devote time every hour to doing a lap to collect empty plates or cups, budget for a small staff who will handle cleaning up and restock foods and beverages.
• Go with the flow. Guests will take their cues from the party host. If you’re stressed or overwhelmed, that could affect the mood of the party. Try to let things roll off your back and laugh off any mishaps should they occur. Take time to sit and mingle as much as you can.