Hosting 101: A Low-Stress Course for the Busy but Well-Intentioned
I don’t know if it’s Virgo sh*t or ADHD sh*t, but as someone who forgets everything, these hosting tips have genuinely leveled up my hospitality game (without making me want to unalive myself in the process.) 😅
If you’re new to hosting, starting with where you are with what you’ve got is the perfect place to begin.
Welcome to Hosting 101!
Whether you’re somewhere between broke and bougie, or managing chaos and order, this course is for you. Class is now in session!
🍸 Section 1: Two Weeks Prior
1) Decide your what and why.
Post-work vent session? Jersey Shore themed day party? Easter brunch? The world is your oyster. Send it, babes.
2) Establish a budget.
We can’t all throw Mindy Weiss-level Kardashian parties. Only you know how much you can spend.
My only advice: don’t go into debt trying to be impressive.
Popcorn and sparkling water from Aldi? Great. Caviar and champagne from Whole Foods? Also, great. (Invite me.)
Hospitality is about making people feel loved, not running through next week’s check.
3) Choose who you’re inviting.
I love any opportunity to pretend I’m God.
“Hmmm…who will make it into Erica’s Heavenly Gates™️?”
Think of the energy you want. Networking, deep convos, pure chaos? Invite people you trust. What connections, if any, do you want your guests to make?
4) Send invitations.
Time is precious. Extend the courtesy of invitations 4–6 weeks in advance for big events, 2–3 weeks for casual gatherings, and at least a week ahead for dinner.
Digital Options
Sites like Paperless Post and Partiful are cute (free!) ways to track RSVPs, visually set the vibe, and communicate details for your event (like the dress code or parking situation.)
Group texts work, too!
Physical Options
Traditional baddies, rise! Think about how cute physical made-to-order or monogrammed handwritten invites could be?
I mean, if you’ve got a book of stamps lying around, use ‘em to stunt on h*es. 🤷🏾♀️
5) Order what you won’t find locally.
Baby, you know Party City has 30 minutes. If you need themed décor or personalized touches like signage or matchbooks, order now.
🍸 Section 2: The Week Of
1) Stock up.
Buy your food, drinks, ice, any necessary serveware, and flowers 3-4 days out.
Ask your people for a list of their favorite drinks and snacks. It’s a small touch that makes people feel seen.
2) If you’re messy, go ahead and start cleaning.
Don’t play yourself, start cleaning ASAP. Give the pile of clothes on your bathroom floor the home they deserve: the floor in front of your washing machine.
🍸 Section 3: One Day Prior
1) Send a Quick “Can’t Wait to See You!” Text.
Also a good time to confirm RSVPs.
2) Prep your space.
Load & empty the dishwasher.
Vacuum floors, rugs, and couch (especially if you have pets.)
Wipe down counters and surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
Put away any remaining clutter. (A closed door is my best friend, chile.)
Fluff pillows and straighten blankets.
Scrub toilet, sink, and mirror. Replace hand towels. Restock TP, flushable wipes, and feminine products. Poo~pourri.
🍸 Section 4: One Hour Prior
1) Set Up Snacks and Drinks
A charcuterie board + your favorite frozen appetizers from Trader Joe’s? Foolproof. Cute serveware and tapas are gonna hit every time.
For more ideas on what to buy or prepare, tap to read 9 Affordable Low-Effort Apps That Still Look Fancy and Everything You Need to Buy From Trader Joe’s for Your Next Girls’ Night.
2) Create ambiance.
Light candles or use soft, warm lighting
Put on a curated playlist (background music is key!). Check out our playlists.
Adjust room temp for comfort
Create a cozy seating arrangement
🍸 Section 5: The Gathering
1) Be hospitable.
Is your place Waffle House or The Ritz? Baby, we pop prosecco upon arrival over this way!
You don’t have to go that far, but it’s a thoughtful touch to offer guests a refreshment as they arrive. Set the tone early (self-serve vs. hosted) and keep an eye on refills and tidiness.
If it’s someone’s first time in your home, show them around. There’s a big difference between “The bathroom is down the hall” and “Let me show you the bathroom.”
➡️ Read the room and ask questions: “Does anyone need anything?”
2) Don’t be afraid to be speak up.
If the convo takes a weird turn (gossip, sensitive topics), steer it elsewhere.
“Nah, we’re not doing that. Let’s talk about something else.”
Kindness is ensuring that everyone in your space feels safe and respected.
3) Get your pics off.
You didn’t put forth all this effort for nothing- take pictures!
4) Know that all good things must come to an end.
I’m a little rough around the edges, so I am not shy about to tell people when it’s closing time.
If you get stuck in a conversation after your third “wow, that’s crazy,” it’s not rude to say: “Hey, I have an early morning, but I loved having you over!”
🍸 Section 6: The Aftermath
1) Clean up immediately.
You might have booty flakes on your toilet as we speak. Diabolical.
2) Thank everyone for coming.
A short, thoughtful after-text works, or if you wanna be extra, mail a thank you note.
Key Takeaways
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Keep a clean space. Be intentional to provide drinks/food that your guests prefer (within your budget.) Ask questions and be hospitable.
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People are coming to your place because they want to spend time with you. No need to be impressive. Be yourself and rely on your senses- what makes you feel loved? What doesn’t?
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Mindfully steer conversations towards positive topics. Be aware of allergies and dietary restrictions. Never let anyone drive if they’ve had too much to drink.
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Don’t let the tasks of it all rob you of the purpose of it all: love.
If you’ve made it this far, I have no doubt you’ll do great! Take pics and tag us in them @forhappinessandsorrows on Instagram. 📸
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