Celebrations are a big deal at our house, are frequent and range from impromptu and very informal to the thoughtfully planned and extravagant. I love to host all kind of events, and have hostess tips and tricks as well as ideas for recipes and decor.
The first part of planning for me is to create two lists: one listing foods I will make, decor and other essentials, and a timeline. The other list is what I need to shop for.
One thing to add to the list? Ice, and plenty of it.
nibbles - recipes and prep
When hosting any kind of gathering at our house, I plan for small bite appetizers that can be handheld or dipped. I also try to have as many things as possible that can be made ahead of time, or from components made ahead to assemble at the last minute. I get to enjoy the party more when I'm not prepping food, and small bites mean guests don't have to awkwardly balance plates or find a surface to knife and fork it.
Here are some of my favorite party picks:
apricot & goat cheese on fig crisps
reuben rolls with homemade thousand island sauce
seven layer dip with noocho cheese
decorating ideas
Unless I am throwing a themed party, I keep decor to a minimum. I may include some fresh flowers, and then focus on using unique glassware and pretty serving pieces and linens to bring some festive flavor to the party.
A fun and easy serving vessel that adds instant decoration? Food!
I use hollowed out peppers for serving all the time, and they are always well received. This recipe also follows my make ahead tip - make the guacamole and fill the pepper ahead of time, setting out at the last minute with chips and veggies:
cocktails and drinks
Unless you hire or designate someone, a good way to avoid playing bartender is to make a signature cocktail for the event. Choose one that many people would enjoy, and make several batches that can be kept cool in the fridge until needed. Bottled wine and beer provide options and round out the libation menu.
Remember to also have several choices for non drinkers and designated drivers - assorted sodas, juices and bottled water in a tub filled with ice makes a great presentation.
Suggestions for the make-ahead signature cocktail:
homemade Irish cream with espresso
Bottles in ice goes against the signature cocktail idea, but does go along with making things ahead, and also incorporates using edibles as decor. You could offer this fun attention-getter in an area set up with ice, mixers and glasses for a DIY cocktail station.
desserts and endings
Following the hand held theme of eats, I plan several sweet options for dessert:
saffron doughnuts with rosewater icing
A fun treat to serve at the end of a party - hot chocolate peppermint shots. Have a tray of them near the door, as people are leaving they can have a sweet and quick wake me up.
Another fun out-the-door treat: set out a large bowl of Orbit® packs of gum for guests to take with them - a cool refresher for the drive home!
Do you enjoy hosting parties? What are your best planning tips?
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Bryanna says
good party list, printing out LOL
Sarah says
Awesome ideas. I like hosting parties, but I always manage to find reasons not to do it. I should def host more! Those wasabi peanut butter cups look amazing - and are defo being added to my to make list! 🙂
spabettie says
I hope you do, Sarah, they're surprisingly good! now, think of a reason for a party, and make them! 😀
Grandma Wrinkles says
I love this article, I want to be on your permanent guest list Kris! I like the bowl of goodies idea, what else have you shared in bowls? Stunning photos as always, and some great ideas.
When does the book release?
DMW
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
I want to come!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😀
I must admit that I don't like hosting parties. Too much stress, and I'm not a many-people person. But I enjoy cooking for friends. 🙂
spabettie says
I know, sometimes it is stressful (I threw a big company pool party at our house once, and was so stressed to get everything perfect, after all the boss was coming over, you know?) 😉 these days I invite small groups of friends, big groups of friends, family, that I am perfectly comfortable with and things don't need to be perfect. I love having people at my house! 🙂
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
I want to come!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😀
I must admit that I don't like hosting parties. Too much stress, and I'm not a many-people person. But I enjoy cooking for friends. 🙂
Kristy Lynn @ Gastronomical Sovereignty says
agreed with everyone above.
i also make a point of making sure people are comfortable. i take their coats for them when they come in and they get put on the bed in the bedroom, get them a drink right away, make sure to ask them questions about their day to make sure they feel valued and welcome and of course, i always have extra pairs of slippers at the front door in case anyone's feet get cold.
my one party mistake: making too much food!! i always go overboard.
spabettie says
oh Kristy, good point! I need to be more mindful of the coat/bag thing! I always make sure to get a drink in your hand right away, and chat with each person as they enter... and slippers!!? I LOVE that idea! I want to come to one of YOUR parties 😉
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
My best tip to myself (which I don't always follow) is DON'T STRESS OUT and remember that you're doing this to have fun! I find that making a list and checking things off helps (and asking my husband for help, rather than being a control freak and wanting to do everything myself).
I love all of your recipes!
Pure2raw twins says
we do enjoying hosting parties, though we never really have much time to do them. hopefully one day we will have more time because we do enjoy having friends over and enjoying good food and drinks 😉
Rhonda says
We don't do a lot of parties at our place, but I would love to come to one at yours. All of that food looks amazing, especially the mango habanero guacamole!
spabettie says
thank you, Rhonda! I can't wait for a summer party, that mango habanero guac is always around! 🙂
Allie says
I'm not much for throwing parties of my own (beyond the occasional fajita-night with a few friends--which would definitely benefit from a jalapeno margarita!)--but trust me, you throw one, I'll show up ;D
spabettie says
oooh, it would be fun to have you at one of my parties! 🙂