Simple Hosting Tips (and Keep the Kids Happy Too!)

343

Maximalist
HDB (Resale)
~1,300 sqft
3 br
Couple Living with Kids

I love hosting meals and we often have friends and family over. For me, it’s all about making everyone feel at home and creating a fun, special atmosphere. Whether it’s a casual hangout or a more formal dinner, a little prep goes a long way. From the moment your guests walk in, you want them to feel comfortable, so here are a few tips I use to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone has a great time. 1. Declutter and Clean Strategically Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, dining area, and bathroom. These are the spaces your guests will interact with the most, so make sure they’re clean and tidy. For me, a clean and dry bathroom is essential, so I’ll always ensure it’s stocked with a hand soap and toilet paper. You don’t need to clean every corner of your home, but tackling the key areas will make a big difference in the overall atmosphere!
2. Set the Lighting I personally like to arrange lighting with warm tones as warm, yellow-toned lighting feels more intimate and relaxing compared to cool, white light. I use multiple light sources to soften the space and create a cosy ambience. You can also incorporate candles to your space as they are a great way to bring a romantic and calming glow to your space. If safety is a concern, opt for LED flameless candles for a similar effect!
3. Music Music sets the tone for your gathering, so it’s important to choose the right vibe. Curate playlists in advance that match with the vibe you want to create and make sure they’re long enough so you won’t need to keep adjusting them throughout the event! I personally love playing instrumental jazz when hosting as it sets a relaxing vibe without competing with our conversations. If there’s a vocal singer, I usually keep the volume lower so it doesn’t overpower the chatter.
4. Scents Scent plays a subtle but powerful role in creating the atmosphere of your home. A pleasant fragrance can make your home feel inviting and enhance the overall experience. I typically use essential oils in a diffuser for my bedroom and scented candles and room spray in the living room and bathroom to prevent the scent from lingering too long. This helps me be mindful of avoiding strong, overpowering smells that could interfere with the food or cause discomfort.
5. Table Setup Setting up the table is a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests, and it’s important to match the vibe to the occasion, whether it's casual or more formal dining. For a casual setting, I like to keep it simple with relaxed plates, disposable napkins, and utensils, while still adding a touch of personality with a fun centerpiece or decoration. For a more formal setup, I pay more attention to the details. From the table cloth, fine glassware, and maybe even name cards for a polished look. Either way, make sure there's enough space between each person for easy conversation and that the table isn’t cluttered so there’s room for everyone’s food and drinks.
6. Something for the Kids When my guests bring their kids along, I always set up a small table just for them so they can enjoy their meals together. To keep them entertained while the parents chat, I arrange a few fun activities like coloring, board games, or simple crafts. It helps create a fun, engaging space for the kids and lets the adults have some uninterrupted conversation. It’s a great way to make sure everyone, big and small, feels included and has a great time! And with more little ones joining us these days, it looks like I might need to upgrade to a bigger table soon!