In the bustling world of hosting, where the joy of company often gets overshadowed by the stress of perfection, I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Hastings, a seasoned party enthusiast and advocate for effortless entertaining. Emily, known among her friends as the go-to host, has mastered the art of enjoying her gatherings just as much as her guests do. Her insights provide a refreshing perspective on how to ensure that you, as the host, have as much fun as everyone else at your party.
Lean On What You Know
Emily’s first piece of advice is straightforward yet transformative: “Lean on what you know.” Reflecting on her early days of hosting, she recalls the stress of trying to impress with elaborate, untested recipes. “It was a recipe for disaster,” she laughs, sharing stories of kitchen meltdowns and cold dishes. Today, she thrives on simplicity. “I stick to dishes I’ve made countless times. There’s comfort in familiarity, and it allows me to engage with my guests rather than worry about what’s happening in the kitchen.” Emily emphasises the importance of preparing dishes ahead of time, using recipes that allow her to remain a calm and composed host. “Guests pick up on your energy,” she notes. “If you’re relaxed, they’re relaxed.”
Relinquish A Little Control (and Fix Yourself A Drink)
The second tip from Emily might seem counterintuitive but is crucial: relinquish some control. “It’s important to appear relaxed,” she advises, echoing the wisdom of Rebecca Gardner. “I’ve learned to delegate tasks or hire help for larger gatherings. It frees me to enjoy the party.” Emily suggests making a list of tasks and assigning them to willing friends or family. “And yes,” she adds with a grin, “a glass of wine for the host doesn’t hurt. It helps set the mood and reminds me to enjoy the moment.”
Do Your Research
Emily’s third tip is about personalising the experience for your guests. “A little research goes a long way,” she explains. “Knowing your guests’ preferences or allergies can make them feel special. It’s not about grand gestures but meaningful ones.” Emily often prepares a signature cocktail or has a selection of non-alcoholic options ready for those who prefer them. “And don’t be afraid to let guests into the kitchen,” she suggests. “It becomes a space for interaction rather than isolation.”
Outsource Guilt-Free
When it comes to outsourcing, Emily is a firm advocate. “There’s no shame in buying a few items,” she says, recalling a party where a local bakery’s desserts stole the show. “It takes the pressure off and introduces guests to local favourites.” She shares that outsourcing can include catering certain dishes or buying decorations, allowing the host to focus on the experience rather than the execution. “It’s about enjoying the process rather than stressing over every detail.”
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Finally, Emily shares her mother’s wisdom, which she has adopted wholeheartedly: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” For Emily, this means letting go of the idea of perfection. “I’ve had some of the best gatherings with mismatched plates and simple meals,” she recalls fondly. “It’s about the people, not the presentation.” Emily believes that hosting should be about sharing your space and time with others, creating memories that are savoured rather than rushed.
Emily’s approach to hosting has transformed her parties from stress-inducing events into joyful gatherings. By embracing simplicity, delegating tasks, and focusing on meaningful connections, she embodies the spirit of a relaxed and present host. As we wrapped up our conversation, Emily left me with a final thought: “Hosting is an extension of yourself. When you enjoy it, so will your guests.”
For anyone looking to rediscover the joy of hosting, Emily’s insights provide a roadmap to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. After all, a party is as much for the host as it is for the guests, and with these tips, both can leave with a smile.
Diana Tahjmir
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