Adulting has hit, and the reality of it is, it might be time to start boosting your hosting skills. Hosting is a big deal, and people always remember a good host. Whether it is the little things that you did, or the big ones, guests usually appreciate the added-effort.

Throughout life, I have had some strong role models in my life who I have recognized as excellent hosts. Through them, I have picked up some simple ideas / tips that can help you out with your hosting game.

Setup of Success

When your guests come, you want your atmosphere to be right, you want them walking in and being comfortable.

Lighting

What rooms do you want people to go in? What rooms don’t you? Lights help guests indicate where they are welcome, and not. Dimmer switches, playing with candle light, and lamps help set “mood”.

Theme For The Night

What are you trying to portray to your guests? Is it a light cracker and wine night? Is it a heavy drinking, loud music night? Is it more of a social movie night? Is it a game night? Deciding on a particular “theme” will help you make all the proper decisions for the night.

Music Choice

Spotify playlist. Pick your mood from their thousands of already existing playlists you are good to go.

Appetizers

Everyone loves seeing food on the table. Especially if it looks very appealing. Appetizers are an opportunity to add to the atmosphere, and to offer the guests something to eat.

Cucumber and lemon pepper, mayonnaise, cocktail rye bread.

1. Start with cocktail rye bread.

2. Spread mayonnaise on a slice.

3. Cut a cucumber in slices.

4. Place one slice on top of the mayonnaise covered bread slice.

5. Sprinkle with Lemon Pepper.

6. Put on a cute tray and serve!

Cheese trays

As simple or as palette intriguing as you want to make. Pre bought sliced cube trays exist at most stores.

1. Place some tooth picks in a few of each flavor, and serve.

2. Buy crackers and place on the tray also.

3. More intricate cheese trays can be fun - don’t be afraid of the cheese. There’s so many pairings that exist - Brie and strawberry jam with an apple slice on a cracker, delicious. Get creative with a favorite cheese of yours and make a unique cheese tray your guests won’t forget.

4. Cheese spreads! Buy crackers, buy pre-made cheese spreads at the grocery store (personal favorite is Garlic and Chive on garlic and herb crackers, or plain crackers). Get creative.

Fruits

1. Pre-cut bowls of fruit exist, or make your own. That easy!

Veggies

Pre-cut bowls of veggies exist, or make your own.

To step it up a knotch buy short plastic clear tumbler and fill the bottom inch or two with ranch, and place your carrots (not baby carrots) and some long veggies in there so each guest has their own, instead of filling a bowl of ranch everybody dips into.

Alcohol

Unless your guests are opposed to alcohol, this is an instant social lubricant. Guests are often excited by alcohol. Break the ice- Into a cold glass of something like this..

Special Drink - Have a special drink designated for the night. A pre-made sangria that’s soaked for 2 days, or everything for margaritas all night long. Find a special drink online that interests you, and pre-make a pitcher full so you’re not mixing and playing bartender all night.

Wine - You can never go wrong with a cheap red (or 2) Wine Charms are very helpful when you have a matching set of wine glasses, and multiple people drinking out of the same looking glasses. (..I might be speaking from experience.)

Beers - varies. Seasonal (pumpkin / apple for fall, summer ales for summer, etc). Keep them in the fridge, or, fill a pretty bucket with ice.