Good food, cosy spaces, and time well spent.
Hosting is a big deal for many of us – though it would be lovely if it was easier? No pressure to impress. No need to put on a performance. Just people, good food, a cosy space, and time to simply be together. Sounds like your cup of tea? Then you’re in the right place.
We’ve somehow been taught that having people over means blocking out the whole weekend, cleaning the living room within an inch of its life, and cooking as though you’re on a TV cooking show. In reality, the best hosting is much simpler. It’s about how you want people to feel when they’re with you – relaxed, welcomed, and at home.
Have What You Have
Start with what you’ve got. Mismatched glassware or a mix of cushions for outdoors makes it easier to remember whose is who’s! A table that seats six will seat ten if you add a couple of stools, footrests, or floor cushions. A bit of soft lighting – fairy lights, battery candles, a couple of lamps in the corners, and you’ve created the mood, too. Jam jar arrangements of garden (or allotment) flowers are just as lovely as a shop bought bouquet.
Make It Joyful, Keep It Simple
Food can be as easy as you like. Your guests are coming to spend and enjoy time with you. A few sharing platters with roasted veggies, some salad, grains or potatoes, dips and warm breads are more than enough. Let everyone build their own plates. Have something sweet afterwards, is there a better dessert than fresh fruit – maybe with a side of melted dark chocolate? Forget the formalities of starter, main and pudding. Just think tasty, nourishing and shared.
Make Space For Conversation
The real magic is making time for chatting. Try to keep distractions to a minimum – soft background music if you must, screens off, and just let everyone have space to relax and properly unwind. If the weather is still good, start outside with drinks, before moving to your seating area when it’s time to eat. You’ll often notice a more relaxed atmosphere once there is food on the table!
Unplug And Unwind
Allow people to ease into your home. If they offer to help, say yes! A chat whilst chopping up some salad, bringing the last items out of the oven, or lighting the candles together is often as memorable as the meal itself. Guests rarely notice the spotless kitchen or the five different kinds of flavoured water you spent a week looking for! They will always remember feeling included.
Borrow A Bit Of Wedding Inspiration.
Weddings are are great place to get some inspiration and even if you’re not getting married, there are so many ideas how intimate wedding venues are designed. It is about celebrating softness, simplicity, warmth and intimacy: who’s at the table, thoughtful little touches (including catering to dietary requirements or neurodiversity), gentle lighting, and only people who matter. That same approach works beautifully for hosting at home. Less fuss. More soul.
They’re Coming After You, Not The Table Setting
If you’re the sort (guilty)! who worries their home isn’t ‘100% ready’ or the food needs to be Masterchef quality, remember this: no guest is coming to a Pinterest-perfect banquet. They’re coming to be with you. A tablecloth, a candle, and you as host/hostess are enough. If you’re tired? Pop the kettle on, get the biscuits out, sit on the floor if you need to. Warmth is in the moment, not the environment.
Presence Over Pressure, Always
The most memorable gatherings are usually the off-the-cuff hurriedly pulled together impromptu events. They are ones where people feel at ease enough to be laughing uncontrollably, or lingering long after the table is cleared. So yes, set the table if you feel like it. But remember – it’s the presence that matters most, not the pressure. … where’s my invite?
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