Entertaining At Home

Entertaining is an art—and anyone can do it. From casual hangs to holiday hosting, here's how to see your friends and family more at home.
Holiday Hosting: Guest Room Must-Haves
If you’re lucky enough to have a guest room, chances are good that you’ll be hosting someone there this holiday season. Of course you want your guests to be comfortable, but even the most dedicated hosts sometimes forget a few things. Before your guests arrive, take a look at this checklist of six guest room must-haves to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. Blankets. Probably the biggest potential source of discomfort for your guests is your home’s temperature.
Nancy Mitchell
Nov 30, 2015
How To Get Your Bathroom Ready for Houseguests
Whether you have one shared bathroom in your place or a half a dozen, when you’re hosting for the holidays you want to get those spaces ready for houseguests as soon as possible. We’ve put together a totally doable, slow-paced two-week plan that will have you clean, ready and–most importantly–relaxed. The time frames are just a guideline, of course. You can get these five steps done in any order and on any timeline before your guests arrive.
Taryn Williford
Nov 12, 2015
8 Things You Need for a Successful Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party
The Halloween holiday inches ever more closely, and you might be looking for a way to supercharge the season with a classic activity that’s fun for all ages. Here are eight things you’ll want to have on hand to throw a great and successful Halloween pumpkin carving party. Carve pumpkins too early (and don’t do any tricks to make them last longer), and you’ll have rotted, deflated pumpkins by the time the big trick-or-treating night comes around.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 19, 2015
Why Doesn’t Anyone Have Parties Anymore?
If you feel like you’re getting invited out to your friends’ houses less and less, it might not be you — maybe it’s just a sign of the times. According to the New York Times, house parties are a thing of the past. They’ve identified statistics that seem to show that these days, people host gatherings at their homes less and less — but why? First, some dire numbers: the amount of high school seniors who have a never attended a party has climbed to 41.
Nancy Mitchell
Oct 8, 2015
How Many Seats Should Your Living Room Have? Here’s One Rule of Thumb
How many people can you host at once? Two? 10? You’re probably counting sofa cushions right now in your head. The reality is, the “right” number of living room seats is different for everyone, and largely dependent on the amount of space you have available.
Taryn Williford
Aug 12, 2015
“Hello from the Apple Pie”: The Must-Make Cocktail of the Year
It’s 2015. Why not shake up your holiday party traditions? After all, you can only eat so many snickerdoodles without craving something a little more fiercely festive. If you want your party to be the one that everyone is talking about the next day, we’ve got you covered. This year, instead of swapping cookies… …set up a shake swap.
Janel Laban
Aug 1, 2015
9 Easy DIY Ideas for Your Next Outdoor Party
Having a summer party that looks like a million bucks doesn’t have to mean spending a million bucks. Here are nine easy DIY ideas that will make your next outdoor party especially memorable… and that won’t break the bank. Above: A wheelbarrow makes a great impromptu drink cooler. Spotted on Style Me Pretty. DIY low table (cinderblocks and plywood perhaps?) + blankets and pillows out on the lawn = an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. Image from Eye Swoon.
Nancy Mitchell
Jul 13, 2015
20 Last Minute Ways to Make Your Home Look Guest-Ready (When It’s Actually Kind of a Mess)
Are you a robot who is always ready for spur-of-the-moment guests? Good for you! The rest of us humans need to fake it once in a while. Here are twenty easy ways to do just that. Make your home look loads better in a hurry with one or two (or more if you’re feeling motivated!) of these low effort, high-impact (and dirt-hiding) tips. 20. Sweep clutter from all visible surfaces. 19. Make the bed. 18. Clean the bathroom mirror. 17. Light a candle. 16. Putting out a store-bought snack?
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 9, 2015
Quick Checklist: 5 Things to Do Before Overnight Guests Arrive
Do you have plans for guests to be trickling in this summer? In between your own travel plans and busy life in general, you might find yourself pressed for time before receiving visitors. Check off the items on this list for a quick way to make sure you’ve got it all together before houseguests arrive, this season and beyond. Ideally, we want to have time to do a really good clean up of the whole house before guests come over. But you might not always have the time for that.
Adrienne Breaux
Jul 6, 2015
Liven Up Your Lawn: 10 DIY Games to Make + Play Outside
Now that sunshine and warmth have arrived, it’s time to start hosting BBQs, parties, and outdoor hangouts. If you’re looking for some activities to jumpstart your gatherings, here are ten DIY ideas that will liven up any lawn. Top Row: 1. Yard Toss Game via A Subtle Revery: Bright colors make this yard toss set even more fun. 2. Giant Jenga via Momoluv on Instructables: If the blocks seem unwieldy, you could also use a rubber mallet to nudge them free. 3.
Carolyn Purnell
Jun 26, 2015
A Marie Kondo Swap: Turn Your Decluttering into a Party
Chances are, you’ve heard of Marie Kondo by now. Her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, seems to be everywhere these days. If you haven’t heard of Kondo’s philosophy, in a nutshell, it promotes cleansing your life of all the things that don’t give you joy. In the spirit of spring cleaning, my friends and I recently had a Marie Kondo party to collectively motivate ourselves to clean out, tidy up, and share some joy.
Carolyn Purnell
May 28, 2015
10 Tips For Creating A More Kid-Friendly Home (For Non-Parents)
Your definition of what it means to be a good host will more than likely change a few times over the course of your lifetime. If you’re at that stage of life when everyone around you seems to be having babies, you might want to consider changing things up a bit — not only to be a better host, but also to protect your favorite things from being broken, squished, or colored on.
Ashley Poskin
May 22, 2015
15 Mother’s Day Brunch DIY Decor Ideas
Not only is Mother’s Day a time to celebrate and thank all the wonderful moms in your life but it’s also a great excuse to host and style a beautiful spring brunch. Setting up a gorgeous table shows your guests how special they are and makes an event that much more memorable (and provides lots of great photo opps!). With the Spring season, there’s no shortage of colorful inspiration.
Melissa DiRenzo
May 7, 2015
4 Terrific Habits of Homebodies (That Anyone Can Do)
Everyone knows a homebody. (And if you don’t know one, you definitely are one.) Homebodies aren’t boring and they’re not necessarily shy. They just know hanging around the house can be pretty awesome. Here’s why… Homebodies love spending time at home and so they naturally put a lot of effort into making their home a great place to be. That might manifest through calming colors, lots of comfortable seating or even just plenty of snacks.
Jennifer Hunter
May 3, 2015
Before & After: How to Turn a Dining Room (Or Any Room!) Into a Guest Room Someone Would Actually Want to Stay In
Writer and editor Melanie Warner Spencer’s apartment in Uptown New Orleans is filled with charm, but no guest bedroom. So she’s come up with a way to transform her dining area into an inviting space a guest would actually want to stay in — and has tips and ideas you could steal for your own home.
Adrienne Breaux
Feb 28, 2015
The Introvert’s Guide to Surviving a Houseful of People
As much as we welcome extended visits with family and friends, many introverts can attest to the fact that sometimes the nonstop noise and people stimulation can be draining — regardless of how much we love our loved ones and enjoy being with them. Sometimes we need to catch a breather or we find ourselves running on empty. Here are a few tips on how to recharge if you get your energy from being alone (but you are currently surrounded by people).
Shifrah Combiths
Dec 15, 2014
The 6 Elements to an Irresistibly Inviting Seating Arrangement
Want your guests sinking into your living room furniture cushions to soak up each other’s delightful conversation instead of crowding in your kitchen or awkwardly standing around? Focus on your seating arrangements and add these six elements to make future entertaining in your home smooth, cozy and natural. Guests don’t want to shimmy through tight squeezes or step over stools to get to seating. They want it to feel like getting cozy is natural and easy to find.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 14, 2014
Dos and Don’ts: 7 Ways to Be The Perfect Party Guest
Are you a good party guest? Here are three party guest habits to avoid — and four to adopt — to ensure you’ll be invited back year after year. 1. Show up right on time. For most people it’s second nature to show up at least 15 minutes late to a big gathering, but the perpetually punctual may have trouble with this.
Nancy Mitchell
Dec 10, 2014
Relax: 3 Things Your Guests Don’t Care About (And 3 That They Do!)
We all set ourselves high expectations occasionally: to be the best we can be, to put our best foot forward, to try our best, etc. But when it comes to a party, that kind of “best”-focused thinking can be counter-productive. In preparation for the holiday season, here are three things that you can Stop Worrying About Now, and three that you might want to focus your energies on. Things to maybe chill out about: Having a picture-perfect setting.
Eleanor Büsing
Dec 3, 2014
9 Holiday Hosting Mistakes You Might Not Even Know You’re Making
So you’re having a holiday party, and you want it to be perfect. Take a look at this list — and make sure to avoid these nine mistakes that even the most well-intentioned hosts and hostesses make. Don’t expect that your guests will know to help themselves to the beer in the fridge, or that they’ll be able to find those cookies tucked away in the back of the kitchen.
Nancy Mitchell
Dec 2, 2014
A Spooky, Kooky Halloween-Ready Home
Name: Jennifer Perkins and husband Chris Boehk along with daughter Tallulah (five years old) and Baxter (three years old). Location: Shady Hollow Neighborhood — Austin, Texas Size: 2,900 square feet Years lived in: Owned 1 year We shared some of the great Halloween decor ideas we spotted in the home of Jennifer Perkins (crafter, business lady and really rad mom) earlier this month.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 31, 2014
The Awkward Files: When (and How) to Say No to Hosting Houseguests
If your couch is sagging under the weight of too many surfers this summer, you may need a refresh on the basics of guest/host protocol. Read on for our take on when to welcome guests into your home and how to just say no. Disclaimer: It’s your home, so you’re free to invite (or not invite) anyone, regardless of what we think. But, if you’re looking for a few suggested guidelines, here you go.
Jennifer Hunter
Jul 30, 2014
6 Sure-Fire Ways to Make Overnight Guests Feel at Home
When we moved from Atlanta to Tallahassee, we were glad to discover that our new location was an ideal spot for friends from Georgia to come over for a little getaway. With some of the country’s top beaches just a couple of hours away from us, friends love to come and visit for a few days of catching up and catching some sun and surf. Here are a few ways I’ve found to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Have sleeping arrangements ready before guests arrive.
Shifrah Combiths
Jul 25, 2014
Small Space Hosting: Tips for Welcoming Guests When You Don’t Have a Guest Room
I sometimes wonder if the guest room is, like the formal dining room, going the way of the Dodo. With people living smaller by choice and necessity, an entire room dedicated to overnight guests is a luxury you don’t see as often as you once did. These days, extra rooms tend to be home offices, if they exist at all. But people will want to go visiting, won’t they? As someone who has made my home away from my native country, I’m used to having people come and stay.
Eleanor Büsing
Apr 28, 2014
The Best Flatware for Entertaining Outdoors
What makes for great outdoor flatware? Above all else, it should be inexpensive and easy to clean (keep grandmother’s intricate silver inside). Bonus points for any set with natural or nautical details that make make a casual backyard barbecue feel like dining in a posh yacht, glam campground or lavish maharajah tent. Each of these options is not only beautiful, but priced just right to entertain four for less than $60 (and most are under $40).
Taryn Williford
Apr 23, 2014
Come As You Are: How To Throw a Successful Last Minute Get-Together
I’m realizing as my friends and I get older that last-minute get-togethers are becoming not only a regular occurrence, but a staple in our lives. Gone are the years where we made a big to-do about birthdays and holidays; rather we relish the days when both good weather and free time align and we can come together to share delicious food, drinks, and conversation.
Stephanie Strickland
Apr 3, 2014
How To Be a Great Host: 13 Tips
Between high school and college I went to school in England and stayed often with a family in London. The parents, Tim and Caroline Gladstone, were the kindest and best hosts I’ve ever encountered. Whenever I rang their doorbell, Caroline would greet me, welcome me right in the door with my dirty backpack from the train station or airport, and ask me whether I wanted to eat first or wash up.
Maxwell Ryan
Mar 31, 2014
No More Entertaining Excuses! Answers to the Biggest Entertaining Roadblocks
Are you a pro at trotting out a long-winded list of excuses when others ask why you haven’t hosted in your home in awhile? Sorry, but that list is about to be annihilated. We found the best entertaining excuse-busters we’ve ever published, and we’ve put them all right here in one spot. Take a moment to close your eyes, look deep into your soul, and ask yourself which excuse is really keeping you from sharing your home with others more often.
Adrienne Breaux
Mar 29, 2014
The Ultimate Casual Gathering: Slumber Party For Grown-Ups
A party can be equally intimidating to guests (wear the right outfit, provide sparkling conversation, know somebody beyond the host) as it is for the host (play the right music, serve the right food/drinks, invite the right mix of people), but nothing says “come as you are” like an invitation to a sleepover party! Why should you host a slumber party immediately, and why should you accept an invitation to a slumber party immediately? Let’s count the ways.
Tess Wilson
Mar 21, 2014
How To Make Fart Hydrogen Sulphide Gas Smells Go Away
Warning. This is an awkward post. It’s deep winter and many of us are trapped indoors without the flow of fresh air from open windows. I, personally, have become quite conscious lately of daily smelly moments both at home with guests and at work (the elevator is the worst) where I’ve been trapped by someone passing gas or simply wished the bathroom at home would air out quicker. I myself will plead guilty on occasion.
Maxwell Ryan
Feb 10, 2014
Easy Party Decor Idea: Make a Photo Wall for Under $25
It doesn’t take a ton of time or money to create this memorable photo wall for your party that can serve both as a decoration and an activity for your guests. We had a small gathering of family members for my daughter’s first birthday, and I put together this photo wall as the visual focal point of the party. I printed out 75 4×6 photos documenting the past year of her life and arranged them on a wall.
Christine Lu
Feb 3, 2014
Indoor Camping Party: Decor, Menu, + Music
The weather’s getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and cabin fever is imminent. A weekend in the wild would cure what ails you… but the weather’s getting colder, your schedule is jam-packed, and none of the buses or trains go past any decent campsites. Time to invite your similarly-fevered friends over for an indoor camping party, s’mores and a (inevitable) sleepover! The Decor: Sleeping Like A Log Pillows, Think Geek, 16.
Tess Wilson
Nov 13, 2013
The One Thing Your Holiday Houseguests Won’t Tell You
I’ve been a houseguest before, and there are plenty of things I have wanted to ask of my host that went unspoken in the spirit of gratefulness and generally trying not to be a pain in the chateau. I do want to get invited back, after all. But I’ve also been on the other side of the coin, and I know that any generous host wants their visitors to be happy and comfortable. Here’s the most important thing your guests won’t tell you. Your home is too cold, or maybe too hot.
Taryn Williford
Nov 11, 2013
Before & After: DIY Cooler
Summer’s outdoor entertaining calls for keeping drinks cool, but budget options aren’t all that attractive. Ashley from Shanty 2 Chic turned a basic styrofoam cooler into a stylish solution that doesn’t diminish your décor. Looking for a weekend project that will up the ante on your patio parties? Check out this after:Ashley put together this country chic cooler stand with $50 in supplies and some power tool basics.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 12, 2013
Go with the Flow: Simple Ways to Relax and Enjoy Hosting
As we approach the final days of the January Cure, the celebratory get-together is looming larger in my mind. I enjoy hosting, but there are still usually stressors and worries involved, even when I’m hosting my dearest friends. As I prepare for the big night, I’m going to keep a few things in mind to eliminate that worry and to help me make the most of it.• Your guests will be as relaxed as you are.
Carolyn Purnell
Jan 31, 2013
The Perfect Cocktail Party Playlist
Getting ready for a holiday cocktail party and thinking of putting the ole iPod on shuffle? The convenience may seem tempting, but take an hour and make a playlist instead. Cocktail parties are the time to break out the red lipstick, the fanciest drinks, the funniest stories, and the bounciest music. If you can make a playlist that will have your guests shimmying, singing, and flirting, then you’ve set the stage for a swinging night.
Julia Brenner
Dec 5, 2012
Strategies for (Very) Big Holiday Gatherings In a Small (ish) Home
One of the biggest challenges of small space living is entertaining. For a family of five, our 1700 sq ft house is more than enough on a daily basis, but add in twenty dinner guests, and we’re bursting at the seams. After a few years of failed attempts, this year I’ve discovered a happy style recipe for low-stress, large gathering entertaining.
Leah Moss
Nov 26, 2012
Real Life Advice: Hosting Guests Without a Guestroom
Looking through all the Small Cool entries this month has me pining for the small space I used to inhabit — I loved it so much, but I don’t miss the challenge of hosting overnight guests in such a small house. We had one bathroom and one bedroom, and frequent houseguests that would often stay for two or three nights — sometimes more. While we love to host family and friends and put them up when they visit, it can pose a real challenge to keep everyone happy, healthy, and sane.
Sarah Dobbins
Apr 17, 2012
Hosting Help: Tips for Sleeping Comfortably on an Air Mattress
I live in a one bedroom apartment with no pull-out couch, so whenever guests come to stay, either they or I usually end up sleeping on my inflatable air mattress. Due to these adventures, I have collected a list of tips and tricks to make the night more bearable (and perhaps even comfortable) if you’re sleeping on an inflatable.See below for my list, and of course add your own.1. If you haven’t yet purchased an inflatable mattress and are planning to, splurge and get the double.
Andie Powers
Mar 27, 2012
5 Inexpensive Table Covers For Your Next Party
Although parties in general don’t appear to cost a great deal on the surface, you can quickly $5 yourself to death. Try saving a few pennies with these options for table covers that you very well might already have in your own home!1. Sheets/Blankets: Sheets and blankets are the easiest place to start looking for inexpensive table coverings. Most homes have a set for every bed in the house and swiping something colorful, or even just white is an easy fix that doesn’t cost a cent.2.
Sarah Rae Smith
Apr 25, 2011
10 Little Things To Do Before Guests Come Over
There’s nothing worse than being at someone’s home and not being able to find an extra roll of toilet paper when it’s needed. Check out our list of things to do before company comes for 10 ideas that will help make your guests’ stay memorable for all the right reasons. Over the years there are little things we’ve noticed while attending parties (and hosting our own) that make guests feel more comfortable while they’re in your space.
Sarah Rae Smith
Nov 19, 2010
Tips For Hosting Parties For Families With Children When You Don’t Have Any
I don’t have children, but they weave their way into my life in many ways and are always welcome in my home, especially when we entertain. But how do we retain our sanity? Do we baby proof the space? Is there a box of goldfish crackers stashed in the back of our pantry for just such an occasion?
Sarah Rae Smith
Nov 9, 2010
The Best Paperless Invitations
I was raised to believe in the old-fashioned, inherent thoughtfulness of the hand-written note. In fact, “Santa” still leaves thank-you notes in my stocking every Christmas so that I have no excuse not to write them. I am 30. However, when it comes to party invitations, I have to admit I always go online. With features like guest tracking, easy one-click RSVPs, and pot-luck sign ups, it’s easy for both my guests and me to plan for the event!
Bethany Adams
Nov 1, 2010
10 Things To Pack In A Piñata That Aren’t Made From Sugar
So apparently we have piñata fever around these parts. We just can’t help it. They’re perfect for a party, a backyard get together, or could even be a fun way to pick summer chores (who says they can’t come pouring out amongst other things?) for little ones, but sometimes we’re not into all that sugar. Here are a few non-food ideas instead!1. Bubbles: You can find small packages of bubbles (check with wedding supplies) that won’t weigh things down too much!2.
Sarah Rae Smith
Jun 23, 2010
One Minute Tip: How to Arrange Flowers Using the Tape Method
One Minute Tip: How to Arrange Flowers Using the Tape Method
Jun 6, 2024
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Colorblock Dining Room: Small Project Saturdays
Colorblock Dining Room: Small Project Saturdays
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