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Hosting Tips 101

So this past holiday season I hosted my first Friendsgiving at my place. It was so much fun! I had a great friends and great food, it was AMAZING. I will say sharing that time with friends was definitely worth the stress it took to set this thing in motion. Sharing food, fellowship and thankfulness with my friends this season has also allowed me to see what gratefulness is. 

Since I’ve moved away from home, my friends have really become my family. They have been my biggest supporters, my shoulder to cry on, and my always down for a time friends. For that reason I wanted to make sure my friends giving was perfect. But what do we know about events and perfection? The two don’t go together! There are bound to be some over-thiking, last minute mishaps and “opps I forgot” piled in there. So somethings I learned from my first host are below, cheers to hosting!! 

Some tips I have from my first time hosting:

  1. Plan Ahead: I actually thought I planned too far in advance, but in heindsight, it actually helped me stick to my lists for invitations, food and needs for the party! It’s never too soon to plan in advance! 
  2. Have everyone bring a dish: You can’t make everything yourself, nor should you. The host should make the turkey or the main dish, everyone else should bring a side. This helps with planning and setting up, the less cooking the more you can prepare your home. 
  3. Maximize your space: I thought my house was too small to fit everyone! I had 10 guest, and I made use of all the space in my home. Reorganizing and moving furniture helped create space and seating. It actually worked perfectly! 
  4. Set timelines: And stick to them! You’re bound to have some guests running late, but don’t let your other guests wait. Stick to your timelines of eating, the others will fall in line. And trust me, they may be late, but they will eat. 🙂  (side note: know your friends. Don’t let the habitual late comers bring main sides or appetizers – stick them with desert). 
  5. Simple is best: I wanted to put together this elaborate menu, because I wanted to tap into my inner Martha Stewart. Yet, keeping it simple is best. It’s easier, and allows you and your guest to enjoy the time there. Besides, as long as the food is good, there will be no complaints about something missing. 
  6. Set an Icebreaker: My first time bringing all my friends together, I realized having more time getting to know each other is helpful. If you don’t you’ll get segregated conversations when you want group participation! 
  7. Have fun: Trut your friends, trust your planning and just have fun! Go with it and let it roll, you’ll be surprise dhow much things actually fall into place when you let go!  
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