Our grandmother, Mimi, loves to host. We’ve shared in the past about how hosting loved ones in her home is one of her life’s passions. So, it makes sense that over the years, Mimi has gathered an impressive home hosting collection. From her basics of dinnerware and flatware to her more niche items such as wine chillers and serving trays, it seems like Mimi has anything and everything a hostess would ever need. But if you’re new to your #hostfulatheart journey, we want you to know that having people over doesn’t require a full collection of homewares. In fact, inviting them in is the biggest hurtle to beginning this journey, and the pieces you use are just the icing on the cake. So, we’re sharing with you our top 5 Ways to Start Small When Having People Over.
There are so many ways to invite people into your home. Although a traditional dinner party is a classic social gathering, there are other, less formal options available to you. We’re diving into five different ways to host in your home and the one entertaining piece that can elevate each of those occasions. So, let’s let go of the myth that we need every hosting item imaginable and, instead, realize that a simple piece or two that you love is all you really need to be the Hostess with the Mostess in your home.
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission (at no cost to you!) should you choose to make a purchase using our links. It’s okay – we love these products, and hope you will too!!
5 Ways to Start Small When You’re Having People Over
Coffee Date
Coffee dates are the perfect casual gathering to invite a family member or friend into your home. In addition to keurig pods with different flavors or fresh-brewed coffee (or a hot kettle of water for tea!), a few pastries are always a delicious addition to a breakfast nook or coffee table. Elevate your casual coffee date with serving utensils, such as cocktail spreaders, cheese knives and a cake server. Though small, a quality serving utensil adds visual interest and a sense of sophistication. Serving loved ones a warm coffee cake or fresh muffins with whipped butter on the side is the perfect pairing for this entertaining essential.
Featured Items: Brass Cheese Knives, Antique Silver Cocktail Spreader with a Stoneware Domed Dish, and Brass Cake Server
Brunch Date
Brunch is a fun way to reconnect with friends, and a serving tray is an easy way to elevate the occasion. Place glasses, dishes and whatever else you need on the tray when serving loved ones. You’ll cut down trips to the kitchen and give your tabletop a sophisticated, put-together vibe.
Featured Items: Natural Paulownia Wood & Leather Serving Tray and Enameled Mango Wood Serving Tray
Lunch Date
While meeting up at a restaurant with a friend is always fun, a lunch date in your home can serve as a more relaxed and intimate setting to catch up and connect. Grab a large serving bowl and a salad kit at your local grocery store for an easy lunch prepared in no time. Add an extra layer of flair with a pair of stunning salad servers to instantly elevate your lunch date.
Featured Items: Antique Brass Salad Servers, Hand-Carved Woven Leather Salad Servers, Matte Gold Salad Servers
Play Date
When you’re hosting both kid and adult, the ultimate snack to serve up is always a charcuterie board. (Not sure how to put one together? Check out our quick tutorial and make a snack charcuterie board in under 5 minutes!) Invest in a large wooden charcuterie board to have on hand to style and serve meats, cheese, fresh and dried fruits, and nuts. Once you have this essential hosting piece, you’ll never turn back!
Featured Items: Large Round Charcuterie Board and Mango Charcuterie Boards
Happy Hour
Especially as we head into the holiday season, happy hours are a fun and festive way to mix and mingle with friends and family. Our go-to #HostfulHack for making any beverage easier to serve is by adding a pitcher! We love serving either iced water or a seasonal beverage in a pitcher so that you spend less time running to the kitchen while also encouraging guests to self-serve. It’s a win-win!
Featured Items: Large Clear Colin Carafe, Medium Clear Colin Carafe, and Two-Toned Stoneware Pitcher
When it comes down to it, choosing quality hosting and entertaining pieces is more important than quantity. Take your time to find pieces that not only make hosting simpler but also make you want to welcome loved ones into your home. So, start small with just a few items that elevate your hosting repertoire when having people over – and bring a smile to your heart.
Hap-Bee Hosting, friend!
Leave a Reply