How To Be A Good Host

My sister Carrie is the queen of hosting. Like, she could/should write a book on how to be a good host. Not only does she have five young kids but she also manages to be one of the most incredible cooks, marketers and best host ever. Last summer I had the chance to visit her and I still think about the personal touches she created that made me feel welcome. An entire year later she is serious #goals when it comes to hosting. Now, having an incredible house in the forest of Colorado doesn’t hurt this, but there are so many touches that made the visit go from good to unforgettable.

I’ve hosted events before but it’s truly become a passion of mine. For Memorial Day we are hosting our families together (gulp!) and doing my annual low-country boil. It’s fun to pull out of the checkered tablecloth and get dirty but it’s the sound of laughter and smell of warm summer nights that make me want to host this annual event.

So, without any more delay, here’s my top five tips on how to be a good host!

Give Them the 411

I’ve always done this for my guests, but having a beautiful information card that contains information is the most thoughtful thing. Carrie made a beautifully designed one that I know she has tempted out. For me, I sat down for 30 minutes and nailed down the look and feel I wanted and now I can just update as needed.

Things to include on this list:

• WiFi password
• Quirks about where you are staying
• Extra towels and blanket locations
• Snack information (a girl’s gotta eat)
• Home alarm code if you are comfortable with it

Give Them A Little Down Time Reading Material

My sister thoughtfully put out three magazines on my nightstand that she knew would appeal to me. One of the things that we both share in common is a love for Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country. Much to my surprise, both of the current issues were there. Along with three chocolates and a mini water bottle. I loved that before I went to bed I could decompress by feeling the cool mountain air and catch up on my favorite magazines.

Plus the chocolates I may or may not have strongly hinted that if more were to show up I wouldn’t be mad about that. At all. Hint: if anyone wants to send me any of these chocolates or these, I would not complain.

Let Them Define Their Bedtime

I absolute hate the awkward dance of when to go to bed when staying at someone’s home. I think it’s incredibly important to have a pre-conversation about your guests plans or what they are specifically wanting to do. Let them know if you will be out late or if there is something that might require a house key. (See above for that information!)

I think the important thing for both the host and guest to be honest about if one is wanting to turn in early. No shame! Going to bed at a consistent time is important, especially when traveling, and honor that. If the night is just going so well, go ahead and stay up late and enjoy life, but make sure that you aren’t keeping your guest or host up!

Remember, a yawn in a silent scream. (*wink*)

Food Brings Everyone Together

I love a lingering dinner when on a trip. To me, that is the ultimate sign of not being on a specific timetable. I love that although my sister has five kids so she makes food for SEVEN people, the dinner is never rushed. Her preparation is never rushed and you can taste the effort, love and time in the food she serves. At home I eat and then quickly move onto whatever evening tasks I have.

Every meal was enjoyed slowly, but not too slow, but I was able to TASTE everything. Homemade tacos, salsas, scrambles, desserts, donuts, everything. It all just tasted SO good. Partially because a) it was incredible and b) I was in the moment and able to truly think about what I was eating.

(Side note: how jealous are you now of this trip?)

Personal Details Matter

Carrie knows that peonies are one of my favorite flowers so she went out of the way to put fresh peonies in my guest room. I even took them with me to the bathroom one morning because they made me so happy! You know your guests quirks, likes and dislikes, finding little ways to surprise and delight people is just one of the sweetest details that makes them feel LOVED.

A few years ago I would have asked Google, hmmm… how to be a good host. Enter search, welp now I’m overwhelmed and I don’t have a million dollars to spend.  Now, thanks to hosting a lost more, I’ve learned a lot more about how much effort it does take, but it is truly worth it. Spending time to make your guests feel welcome sets you off on the right food and truly makes it a trip to remember.