The more you entertain the more you realize, the mood you set, is just as important as the food you serve. One way to make sure the mood is right is to follow our 5 “Be” Attitudes for a Happy Hostess.
Planning an event can be stressful, so here’s our best advice for your next party!
1. 
Keep it small – with an intimate gathering you can connect with your guests – that’s the goal, right?
2. 
Decide what style of party (cocktail, dinner, brunch, wine tasting, dessert party) works for your entertaining style, schedule and space.
3. 
Pick your party date and send your invites out asap as calendars tend to fill up quickly.
4. 
Personalize your party with special touches, e.g., a “wow” tablescape, a welcome signature cocktail, thoughtful favors. By taking the time to make your guests feel special, your party will be transformed from a party into an unforgettable experience.
5. 
Create a party plan that allows you to prepare most everything ahead of time, so you can be a guest at your own party and enjoy sharing time with loved ones.
If you like these tips we have lots more in our book Plan to Party! It contains strategies, tools, checklists and actual Party Plans for simple and special entertaining.
I think the Be Present is the hardest part, because you have to oversee all that’s going on, dashing into the kitchen to check on food, making sure that people’s glasses are filled and adding to the conversation all at the same time. (Not to mention keeping the cat out of the hors d’oevres!) I’d entertain more if I didn’t feel so much like what my mother would call “a fart in a windstorm.”
You need to follow all 5 “Be” Attitudes and then the “BE Present” will be easier. Make food and set it out ahead of time, keeps you out of the kitchen. There are plenty of menu options for this ( a pot of chili, soup, sandwiches, salad, etc…). When it comes to the bar serve punch and let guests help themselves. You can even have a “shake your own” martini bar – it’s FUN. You can do it Jen, you can!
I’ve found that two of the biggest “be” attitudes that work for me are:
BE Prepared – which encompasses the first four above and…
BE Calm – regardless of the amount of planning & preparation, things may go a bit awry. But if you’ve followed Dawn’s advice, the effort you’ve made and the attention you pay to your guests will far outweigh any snafu so you can just relax and enjoy
You sound like an awesome hostess Kirstie!
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