Hostess without the Mostess

Hosting Tips for Getting to the Heart of a Good Event

Challenged as individuals, communities, and as a species 2020 was a year filled with lessons and growth. From smaller lessons – sweatpants are indeed a closet staple, to bigger ones – injecting bleach is never a good idea, people everywhere adjusted to a new normal. But of all the teachings the past year brought us, we learned the damaging power of division and felt firsthand our basic need for unity and connectedness.

Cupboards stocked with wine and toilet paper, our penciled in date nights and concerts were traded in for zoom calls, and drive-by birthday parades. Somewhere along the way we learned that get togethers don’t need to be extravagant or costly to be a success. In fact, some of the most enjoyable gatherings are intimate affairs in a cozy space with good conversation, and of course a few good friends.

Setting the scene Like an author setting the scene, when preparing to host an event, it’s important to cater to all five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. One of the easiest ways to appeal to our sense of sight, is to choose a colour scheme and stick to it.

Foraging through one’s belongings and closet will often result in some on hand items that can be used for décor. Fabrics that can be draped from ceilings or across tables, function both as backdrops and tablecloths. Glass jars of varying shapes and sizes can be filled with candies or water dyed to match your colours. Lighting also plays a crucial role in sight and little touches like candles or string lights can help create a cozy atmosphere.

Sound is such an easy component to overlook or overdo. Choose sounds or background music to set the vibe. Having a wine and cheese party? Try some indie or classical music. Hosting a spa night? Tune into Spotify’s meditation playlist. Even background noises such as forest sounds can support a theme – think at home camping.

What’s Cooking? Smell and taste often go hand in hand and the food and beverages you serve can help immerse your guests in the experience BBQ, seafood, and fancy cocktails respectfully go great with country, themes, or prohibition themes. Additionally, diffusers and essential oils can relax or excite your guests.

Lastly, touch is one of the most important factors when it comes to comfort. Adequate seating, blankets, pillows and rugs will impact how relaxed your guests feel. Even something as simple as dress code can add to the material feel of the party. Varying textures from burlap, satin, fleece and faux fur at your party provide a tactile element to the experience.

So, when we’re finally allowed to hit resume on life, do yourself and the planet a favour; forget the streamers, and balloons, the plastic cutlery and solo cups and just work with what you’ve got, because at the end of the day what’s important is the people you are with, and the conversations you are sharing.