FORM AND FUNCTION

How to host a fun party without being too stressed about it.

Learn how to host a fun party without being too stressed about it.

When you’re entertaining guests, you often have two goals: to show off your hosting prowess and to have fun. That first goal includes everything from the table setting to the food and ambience. But depending on the timing and location of the party, as well as how busy your life is at the moment, the first goal can be eclipsed by the second. But as décor enthusiasts, we want both, don’t we? Here a few tips to help you get there.

1. MEAL PLANNING. Whether you love or hate meal planning, it’s a good practice to use when hosting a party or friends for dinner. Set yourself a reminder five days in advance so you have time to figure out what you’ll serve and buy the ingredients before that day.

2. SET THE TABLE BEFOREHAND. In the ideal world, you’d set your table a few days before the party. But if you need that table for regular living, or your party is outside, the next best option is to preset one or two place settings. This way you have a vision and can get anything extra you need with time to spare.

3. ASK FOR HELP. For those of us wanting to be super hosts, this can seem like a faux pas, but it’s not. Say yes when guests offer to bring something; or if they don’t, simply ask. You’re the host—they won’t be disgruntled to bring a bottle of wine or an appetizer.

4. MIX AND MATCH. It’s fine to add a little whimsy to your table, whether that’s mix-matched chairs, three different sets of water glasses or salad plates that don’t go with the dinner plates. If you have multiple sets, space them out at the table so it looks intentional.

5. MOOD LIGHTING. This doesn’t have to mean dim lights, but do think about the lighting. This can be as simple as adding candles to your centerpiece to light before guests arrive, or if you’re outside, make sure there’s adequate lighting so people can find their way back to their car or into the house to the bathroom.

6. FRESH FLOWERS. Even if your ambience isn’t how you’d dreamed it would be, fresh flowers will draw the eye and give the impression that you thought ahead. Add three bouquets for maximum impact: one on the table, one where your guests will be lounging before or after dinner, and one in the powder room they’ll use.

7. RELAX. This is the most important piece. If you’re stressed, your guests will probably be able to tell. If you feel flustered before they arrive, take a minute by yourself to take a few deep breaths and remember that the ultimate goal is to have fun—the hosting prowess can take a back burner.

If you’re looking for an easy way to jazz up your table, try a fresh sprig on each plate. This can be a flower from your bouquet or even sprigs of herbs you buy at the grocery store.

(top) Even if you can’t set the whole table days before the party, you can get out the pieces you need, wipe them free of dust and set them aside so it takes less time to set the table before guests arrive. (above) Remember that guests will sit wherever seating is available, even if it’s not a place you and your family usually sit. A day or two before the event, take a few minutes to sweep or vacuum around areas where people might sit down.

This tablescape is elegant, yet it has imperfect details that add charm to the scene, such as the mix-matched chairs.

To make a table fancier, go for glasses that have etched glass or those with stems.