environment. Guests should notice a
change in mood when they enter the home
from outside. Dimmer lighting offered by
lamps, candles or even string lights is less intense
and imparts a cozier feel. Low lighting
also hides any overlooked nooks and crannies
that escaped the duster or broom.
• Have music ready to play. Walking into
a quiet home can be intimidating for guests.
Instead, have a music playlist going at least 15
minutes prior to the offi cial start time of the
event. Keep the volume at a level where conversation
remains easy. The music should be
mid-tempo and upbeat, prioritizing songs that
are familiar to others. While there are plenty
of playlists available, AI is a nice tool to use
for curating a song list for the type of event
you're hosting.
• Make foods safe and accessible. Place
the buffet table off the wall so guests can
access the food from both sides, which cuts
down on bottlenecks in the home. Use signs
or cards to label dishes so that those who
have dietary restrictions will know what they
can eat safely.
• Hire a service. Unless you can devote
time every hour to doing a lap to collect empty
plates or cups, budget for a small staff who
will handle clean up and restock foods and
beverages.
• Go with the fl ow. Guests will take their
cues from the party host. If you're stressed or
overwhelmed, that could affect the mood of
the party. Try to let things roll off your back
and laugh off any mishaps should they occur.
Take time to sit and mingle as much as you
can.
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A how-to for hosting at home
Hosting an event at home can be an
affordable way to gather with family
and friends. According to a survey
conducted by Talker Research on behalf of
Air Wick, hosting events at home saw a significant
resurgence in recent years. In 2024-2025,
72 percent of Americans said they preferred
to stay in with friends rather than go out. In
addition, 59 percent of survey participants indicated
they had hosted at least one event in
their home over the past year.
Hosting at home requires a balance of hospitality
and logistics. Here are some guidelines
for hosting like a pro while also remaining
connected to guests.
• Stick to what's tried and true. It's important
to stick to tried-and-true recipes or products
when preparing for the event. Never try a
new, complex recipe or even a new restaurant
or caterer you haven't vetted. Stick to foods
that can be prepared in advance and easily
heated up or served.
• Clean what's seen. You do not have to
deep-clean the entire house; focus attention
on removing clutter and preparing the spaces
guests will see the most. That includes the
entryway, kitchen/dining room and the bathroom.
Ensure there is plenty of accessible toilet
paper in bathrooms, and regularly check
the bathrooms to see if a fresh hand towel is
needed or a spritz of room spray.
• Remove clutter. Having extra people in
the home might necessitate some creativity
with furniture. Temporarily move bulkier
items like sectionals or large dining tables
out of the space in lieu of folding chairs and
tables. This gives more breathing room and a
greater number of seating options.
• Have snacks ready. Guests will expect to
be fed and there's no telling when they last
ate. Offer a small selection of fi nger foods,
like nuts, chips, fruit, or fresh vegetables and
dips, to keep the hunger pangs at bay until the
main course is ready to be served.
• Maintain low lighting. People will feel
more comfortable when you establish a serene
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