Welcome to Day 11 of our 12 Days of Holiday #HostfulHacks! If you’re joining us for the first time, be sure to read this post first.
Now, let’s dive into Day 11 with Sweet as Melli!
Who is Sweet as Melli?
Selini is the content creator and voice behind the Atlanta-based blog, Sweet As Melli. Her blog was inspired by her desire to spread homemade creations, food, Party DIY, and entertainment ideas to YOU. Selini grew up in a Greek-American household, where they celebrated every little moment with delicious food and creative design. She hopes to inspire you to make even the smallest moments a special celebration!
Day 11 – Holiday #HostfulHack: Pre-Party Personal Preparations
Something we noticed at a young age was how Mimi and Nana were always “ready” for their gatherings when we all arrived. They were dressed for the occasion and their hair always seemed to be in place. It wouldn’t be until we started hosting guests in our own homes as adults when we realized being ready in time for guest arrival isn’t always an easy task, especially when you are attempting to serve food and beverages as well as ensure your home is warm and welcoming. What we learned through their practice is that pre-party personal preparation is just as important as planning all of the other elements of any event you host. It requires intentional planning ahead and ensuring you have plenty of time for a little self-care before opening your door to guests.
Sweet as Melli’s Pre-Party Personal Preparations #HostfulHacks
Hosting and creating an inviting atmosphere is a true art form thanks to the many moving pieces that go into the whole process. From decor to ambiance to food details, there are certain things that can bring us anxiety or stress throughout the whole process. One of those stressors includes when and how we will make time to put ourselves together for the actual event. Though it feels magical to be able to bring people together, we often put ourselves last while we’re trying to create something special for everyone else. Here are a few of my tried-and-true ways to organize an event, while also having enough time (and energy) to put yourself together.
Night Before Preparation: The best way to prevent hosting meltdown is by stopping it before it happens! The day before an event, I lay out my hosting outfit, makeup, and wash my hair.
Morning of the Event: The morning of the event, I prioritize the first 3 main hosting responsibilities (meal prep, finalizing details) before I get ready. I want the majority of the details to be complete so that I can get ready in peace. To make sure I don’t lose track of time, I set an alarm to get ready 2 hours prior to the event.
Make it fun and stress-free: When you have something to look forward to the day of, it really keeps hosting-stress at bay. Putting on some calming music, light a candle, pop some cooling eye patches on, and prep a fruit-infused water bottle the night before to get in that extra hydration.
Want more entertaining tips and inspiration from Sweet as Melli? Be sure to follow along on her blog and Instagram!
Now, head to Day 12 of 12 Days of Holiday #HostfulHacks.
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