Underrated but actually genius hosting hacks for your next gathering

As much as we would all like to be the one hosting a spectacular get-together every weekend, the truth is hosting takes work. Between grocery trips, drink prep, and frantically cleaning the house, entertaining can prove to be a true feat. 

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While we all work towards Ina Garten-level hosting game, there are a few tips and tricks to make party planning a little easier in the meantime. We asked around—from Instagram and TikTok to the Evite office—and hosting veterans agree: these are the hacks to save for your next gathering. 

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1. Let the party curate the playlist 

“Request that your guests send you the first concert they attended… then build your playlist with three songs from each artist. Makes for incredible conversation!”

(Comment from Alwaystimeforgloss on TikTok)

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2. Towel tips

“Leave a minimum of two hand towels in the bathroom. No one likes a soggy towel.”

(Comment from Carrie on TikTok) 

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3. Boil a pot of potpourri

“An hour before the party, bring a pot of water with cinnamon, vanilla, citrus, and/or herbs to a boil on the stove. Then let it simmer until guests arrive… your home will smell incredible.”

(Comment from Allo on TikTok)

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4. Set up snack stations

“Put out small bowls with snacks like olives, chips, and nuts at all the various spots people might stop and chat. No hungry guests, plus it gives them more reason to continue their conversation!”

(Comment from Spinach.pi on TikTok)

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5. Kick off a party puzzle

“Leave a puzzle out… and start one of the corners before your guests arrive.”

(Comment from heartbreaker-homemaker on TikTok)

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6. Buffet feng shui 

“If serving food buffet-style, place plates at the beginning and leave cutlery at the end. It gives your guests a free hand to serve themselves.”

(Comment from Linds in KC on TikTok)

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7. Cut your cleaning time

“Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty before the party starts. Makes for a SUPER easy clean up after!”

(Comment from _dinner_with_friends_ on Instagram)

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8. Make a kitchen sink cooler

Fill your sink with ice and a bunch of canned drinks/wine, to serve as a cooler for people to easily grab from throughout the party. 

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9. Get the bouquet beforehand

Prepare any flower arrangements or table centerpieces the day before. The florals will make it one extra day!

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10. Grazings for the guests

Have a charcuterie board set out so it’s ready for people to nibble on. (Place it away from your other prep stations.)

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11. Start with the tablescape 

For dinner parties, set the table the night before so you can focus on the food day of. 

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12. Comfort is key

Set up extra seating. Additional chairs, pillows, and stools make it easy for guests to sit and socialize at the same time.

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13. Stick to the classics

Make your signature dish. Save the new recipe for another day and stick to one already in your repertoire. After all, it’s a favorite for a reason!

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14. Maximize mingling

Introduce your guests to each other and share what they have in common. It may feel awkward, but it will give them something to talk about!

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15. Ice is essential

Stock up on ice! It’s easy to overlook until it’s out and your drink is getting warm. When guests ask what they can bring over, tell them extra ice. 

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Hosting will always take work, but there are ways to show your future self some love before it’s time to party. Pre-prepped snacks, decor, and conversation starters take the pressure off you—and may ease social anxiety for guests, too. 

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Want one more hot tip? Make your Invitation and add event sign-ups directly to your invite to track who’s bringing what. Add on Evite’s newest feature, share costs, to split expenses with guests. Request a suggested or required amount, depending on your event’s needs, and share your Venmo, Zelle, or Paypal to handle easy payment. You can thank us later!