Living
WELL
Hosting Tips A lot goes into hosting an event, and the best hosts often make it look effortless (even though it’s anything but!). Having hosting tips in your back pocket might come in handy, especially as we enter the season of gathering. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a hosting novice, these day-of-the-event tips will ensure everyone in attendance, including you, enjoys themselves. FO O D Potlucks are a fantastic way to involve guests while removing some stress from you, the host. When inviting guests, assign them a dish to bring (e.g., appetizer, dessert, main course). Be mindful of guests’ allergies and dietary restrictions. Pro tip: Ask guests to prepare and bring a family recipe! Not
only can guests swap recipes, but the recipe itself is a great conversation starter.
D ECO R Pick a simple theme or color palette and shop for those items at your local crafts store. If you plan to incorporate an activity at your event, have guests create a party decoration. Some ideas include building bouquets or creating seasonal decorations, like carving pumpkins.
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Addie T I M E LI N E Make sure your event has a tentative beginning, middle and end. A loose timeline allows you to control the event’s progress, but of course, consider how guests are feeling. If everyone is content with the beginning of the event (e.g., meet-and-greets and appetizers), do not rush them into the middle of the event (e.g., dinner).
