• Plan Ahead: Start planning well in advance to ensure you have enough time to prepare.

• Set a Theme or Purpose: Consider a theme or purpose for the gathering to guide your menu planning and decor. A theme also gives your guests something to get excited about.

• Guest List: Create a guest list that is inclusive of the group you are targeting (family, friends, both). Invite more people, rather than less. I know what you are thinking, you cannot always include everyone. A good rule of thumb is that if your gut says someone would be upset seeing pictures of your gathering after not being invited, INVITE THEM.

• Invitations: If a more formal gathering like a holiday, send out invitations early with all the necessary details, including date, time, location, and RSVP instructions. For something more casual do not be afraid to organize the invites via text or email.

• Menu: Consider time of day, the size of your space, and the type of gathering. If you are not hosting a sit down dinner, I highly recommend planning a grazing menu with lots of snacking options. If planning a sitdown dinner, pick a menu that allows you to prep in advance to allow you to also enjoy time with your guests. Lastly, if you are planning an event like a birthday or christening where you are not only responsible for the details of the event, but also the guest of honor do not be afraid to get the food catered!!!

• Drinks: Consider a self-serve bar with a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. These days cocktails are super Instagramable, so planning something extra special and fun that adds to the atmosphere of the event. When it comes to drinks, buy more, not less. It won't go bad! And remember, you can never have too much ice.

• Decor and Ambiance: Create a welcoming atmosphere with appropriate decor, lighting, and music. Do not over think the decor - a clean house with some small floral arrangements and candles go a long way. Consider candles to add to the abience and light them in the main rooms for the gathering, including the bathroom, an hour prior to your first guest arriving. Make a spotify playlist that will loop in advance so you don't have to think about it once the gather gets going.

• Entertainment: Consider the type of gathering you are planning. Games can be fun in some settings, but be very mindful of how the gathering vibe may shift once you initiate a game. Think beyond party games to things like beer tastings, potluck appetizers with a guest vote for the fan favorite, or even asking all guests to bring a bottle of their favorite wine and do a quick yankee swap style game at the close of your event so your guests leave with a new wine to try.

• Be a Gracious Host: Greet your guests as they arrive and introduce them to others if needed. Circulate and engage with your guests throughout the event, making everyone feel welcome.

• Capture Memories: Set up a photo booth or encourage guests to take photos to capture memories. Guests young and old love a prop!!

• Delegate Tasks: Don't hesitate to ask for help from friends or family with setup, serving, or cleanup. You literally cannot do it all and will find that you did a lot of work and barely had a chance to enjoy the gathering if you don't accept the help that is offered. And I promise, people are happy to offer.

• Problem-Solve Gracefully: Be prepared to handle unexpected issues with grace and composure. A spill, no problem - an unexpected guest, the more the merrier.

By keeping these tips in mind and being a thoughtful and considerate host, you can create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere that ensures your guests have a great time. My best piece of advice is not to overcomplicate things - pick one of the pre-planning elements, food, drinks, or decor and focus on that one thing. I promise, following this guidance will make for an amazing gathering or an epic party - and trust me, your guests will be impressed and very, very, grateful!

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