How to Be a Good Host ~ Hosting Tips

With just a few tips you can learn how to be a good host! Hosting is about caring for someone else. Making them feel at home and welcomed! If you have any hosting tips, please share in the comments of this video. I would love to hear them.

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#hosting tips #jenniferdecorates

[peggy]

How about a video on how to be a good guest😊This was something I purposely went over with my children when they were young before we arrived at someone’s home. Things like remember to say please and thank you, to not comment negatively about the food...if it was something they knew they disliked to quietly pass it on. I also reminded them if our hosts had an activity planned to happily go along even if you preferred another game, reminding them that their host was kind enough to plan something they thought would be enjoyed and the need to be a good sport. Just a few ideas😊

[lindemiscio]

Thank you for the great suggestions! One thing I always like to do when hosting is to have fresh flowers in the house, especially in the powder room and the guest room.

[wherelovesat]

In the Caribbean, most of us, coming to the end of the event will get help from guest to wash dishes, we often ask so that the homeowner won't be left with a huge clean up after guest have left.

[janebentrott]

Thanks for addressing the pet issue. I am not a pet person, although I am glad for those who are. I appreciate not being jumped on or sniffed by a pet when I go to a friend’s home.
I have found throughout the years that my guests are happiest when I am a relaxed hostess and well prepared enough to be able to enjoy the event.

[w.bovgvereav]

Hospitality : " Making your guests feel at home. Even if you wish they were. " ~ Unknown

[margaretcurren]

Whenever we stay with our friends overnight, they put a picture of my husband and I on the nightstand. It adds a nice touch and makes us feel at home.

[sherrycatanese]

Thank you addressing the pet issue. I was bit by a dog “ that doesn’t bite” just entering a friends house, now I’m very uncomfortable around pets. One family member with dogs uses the furniture covers, removes them for company, so when we visit we’re not covered in dog hair from the chair or sofa, that’s so thoughtful. Great video as usual!

[LAS]

Great video for the inexperienced. I might add one more since some people are obsessed with this. Do not ask your guests to remove their shoes. Some don't mind but many do. So, don't put your guests in an awkward situation. It's why we have brooms, mops and vacuums for the day after cleaning.

[natvtxn]

One thing I used to do was to leisurely decorate and set my table the day before with glasses upside down to make sure I had enough serving dishes, utensils and enough space. Everything was then clean and ready to go. I would jot down on a post-it which sides would go in that dish. I could then focus on the meal the day of and sometimes have helpful guests place food in designated bowls/platters.

[dianejohnson]

The idea of not lighting a scented candle when cooking a meal is one thing that I never thought about!!!! Great suggestions!!!!

[andreawales]

Wonderful advice about putting the pets in another room behind closed doors. I’m not a pet person so I really appreciated that important hosting tip!

[rebekkad.]

Great basic advice. I always have a bussing tub so dishes go into it and I don't have to worry about dishes until after people have left. It soaks the dishes so they are ready for the dishwasher after a quick rinse.

[joyceschneider]

Loved all your suggestions. Some I forgot, thank you for the reminder. Since retiring I now have a small notebook with pages for friends we see a lot, and what they can and cannot eat, and likes. I also have a candle burning in the 1/2 (guest) bath, it helps if the light is turned off. Also if guest room has tv, a write up on how to work the tv and clickers.
I liked the idea of a video on how to be a good guest ( maybe some hostess gift suggestions) . Thank you Jennifer.

[ellef]

Absolutely wonderful hosting tips! Love how you spoke to pets. I am definitely a dog person but I absolutely cannot stand when ppl have little yapping dogs that will not stop barking and they ignore them and you have to talk over them. I have a family member that I have to do this with every visit. Ugh...makes me feel like the dog means more to this family member than I do. (Perhaps that's true 😆)

[tessriley]

I was staying at a friend of a friends place - We didn't know each other well, and I was somewhat hesitant to stay in her home since we were only acquaintances, but she nearly insisted. Here's what she did for us. She had a picture of my husband and I and had it printed out, then put in a frame and left it in the bathroom we'd be using along with a little sign that said "Welcome". It was very simple but that small, kind act was one of the warmest welcomes I have ever received. She was a true lady, and we've remained friends since. A small act of kindness can have a big impact on others. I now try to do something similar for guests who might be staying in my home.

[amandameunier]

I'm very appreciative of hostess gifts, a nice bottle of wine or small nibble plate contributes to a lovely gathering and my friends enjoy contributing. I never attend a dinner without something special for the hostess.

[reesewhitt]

Very good. I use dry erase markers to write on bathroom mirror….”welcome or please help yourself to any toiletries”. And leave a basket of pain relief meds, toothpaste, brush, floss, etc on counter top. Draw smiley face or flowers also. If there is a mirror in the bedroom, you can do the same thing.

[virginiabrown]

Wonderful tips for hosting. So glad you emphasized the point that not everyone is a pet lover and to put them away when hosting. Thanks for sharing.

[karenross]

I always serve food that does not need much last minute preparation. My go to recipes are Ina Garten's beef bourgeon and her baked shrimp scampi.

[MrAnnette]

I agree! With age I now start to get ready 2 days in advance…I don’t want anything to do but relax the day of my party which gives me time to get ready, set out the appetizers and light the candles. I set the table and bar area the day before, write a sticky note for each bowl or charcuterie board to I make sure I don’t forget something. Always have a small bowls of nuts or mix around different areas for happy hour.