Hello my lovelies! If you’re a traditional young lady, you may ask, “What is the secret to great hospitality? And how can I become a great hostess?” Hospitality is a wonderful skill for us to practice. I love welcoming people into our home, and I am always learning how to do it better. Someday I’ll have such fun practicing it in my own home! In this post, I want to share some tips I’ve learned for how to be a great hostess.

Keep reading for 7 tips for how to be a great hostess.

1. Offer tea, coffee, or water when they arrive.

When your guests first enter your home, set a welcoming tone by asking if they would like something to drink. Offer to put the kettle on for tea, brew coffee, or pour them a glass of ice water. If they have been driving for a while, they may be rather thirsty. This simple gesture will help them relax and feel at home.

2. Plan the menu carefully.

A friend of ours once invited a bachelor over for dinner. She was just pulling a pizza out of her freezer and saying, “Everybody likes pizza, right?” when he chimed in, “I don’t like it. I hate it.” After she got over the initial shock, she sweetly made him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. 

Hopefully, you won’t have to resort to PB&J to please your finicky guests. But, to avoid such embarrassing situations, ask ahead of time if your guests have any allergies or preferences. Many people have gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, or other specialized diets. It’s wise to plan ahead and provide options for everyone. They will certainly appreciate it!

3. Prepare an inviting home.

Now, your home does NOT have to look like the cover photo of Better Homes & Gardens. But, at the very least, ensure that the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom are clean. Just shut the bedroom doors, and toss any unfinished laundry in there. Also, tidy your entryway, and clean the glass on the screen door. 

Here are some extra tips to create a pleasant environment.

• Have soft music playing.
• Ensure that your counters are wiped clean. 
• Clear space for guests’ shoes and coats BEFORE they arrive.
• Get a bouquet of fresh flowers or wildflowers for the table. 

One of my blogger friends, Elizabeth, contributed a key tip for preparing your home. She cautions against using scented candles because it may affect people who are sensitive to chemicals. “I have chemical sensitivities and know a lot of people who do. So I think it’s best just not to use fragrances when inviting people into your home, unless you specifically know that whoever is coming doesn’t mind. Again, it puts the guest in an awkward place to mention that it makes them sick, and often they will feel bad about it :)” Thank you so much for the tip, Elizabeth!

4. Think of good conversational topics.

Being a great hostess has a lot to do with being a good conversationalist. Ahead of time, think of two or three topics that your guests would be interested in talking about. And plan a few family stories or anecdotes that you can share. 

When there is a lull in the conversation, pull out one of your anecdotes and share it. Personal stories will help you connect with your guests. It will also encourage them to share some of their own stories.

And weave your guests’ interests into the conversation. Find out what they are passionate about, and draw them out with good questions. They will love it!

To learn more about being a good conversationalist, check out this post:

How to Be a Better Conversationalist (Part 1)

5. Plan some fun activities for everyone.

If children are on the guest list, think of something fun for them to do. Perhaps they would enjoy water balloon games, a game of soccer or volleyball on the front lawn, or a bonfire. 

Another great idea for musical guests is to ask them to bring their instruments. Whether young or old, most musicians enjoy sharing their music with friends. They will feel honoured! 

If you are inviting other believers, you could sing some hymns together, and the musicians could accompany everyone. I’ve always loved it when we did this—either as guests or as hosts!

If your guests love board games, pull out your set of Scrabble, Monopoly, and Risk. Board games are a great way to laugh together and make happy memories. And they may even reveal personality traits that you never noticed before! 

6. Relax and enjoy your guests!

As the hostess, people often look to you to set the tone of the event. 

If you are stressed out and not enjoying yourself, they will feel uncomfortable and leave early. 

But, if you are relaxed, warm, and friendly, they will be able to relax, too. 

To truly relax, realize that not everything has to be perfect. And don’t take yourself too seriously.

If something burns or the dog eats the burgers, it’s not the end of the world. Just laugh about it, and find a Plan B!

7. Practice makes perfect.

The secret to how to be a great hostess is practice. Each time you welcome people into your home, you will learn something new. 

Perhaps a new recipe, for Blueberry Custard Pie. Or perhaps a way to gracefully sidestep an awkward question. 

And, over time, you will gain confidence and experience as a hostess. The things that feel hard today will be easy then. And, one day, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come. 

So start now, and keep practicing, my dear feminine sisters. Become the best hostess you can be!

Let’s Chat:

Do you want to be a great hostess? Focus on making your guests feel welcome- by a cup of tea, a carefully planned menu, and an inviting home. Build your conversational skills, and become a good listener. Offer some fun activities for everyone, and relax and enjoy your guests.

Question:

When you visit a home, what makes you feel welcome and comfortable? Let me know in the comment section!