As the owner of Little Rock’s Festive Haus event planning service, Jessie Gillham knows how to host a party. In our December issue, she and her mother give us a glimpse into their winter solstice soirée (read the full story). Here, she shares a few of her tried-and-true tips to fully embrace and enjoy hosting guests.
1/ The host should be having fun. If you are enjoying yourself, your guests will be, too. This can change the entire mood of a gathering so think about the prepwork and timeline to ensure this happens.
2/ Put together a playlist. No matter your theme or what time of day, music is a must. It’s a detail that can add to the customized feel of the gathering.
3/ Manage your menu. You want the menu to be delicious and something you can pull off without feeling stressed. This is not the time to time a new recipe. Use your tried-and-true favorites or practice new ones beforehand.
4/ Dim the lights. Lighting is also one of the key elements that sets the tone for a party. For evening events, I like to turn off the bright overhead lights and rely on softer lighting.
5/ Be thoughtful when it comes to details and décor. Are there dietary or drink restrictions you need to accommodate? Plan for those ahead of time. A bar set-up where you can build your own drink or a signature cocktail for the evening are small touches that can add to the overall theme and comfort of your guests.
6/ Consider the flow. Not just in terms of movement but for conversation and connection, it’s important to space out the food, beverages, and seating to make sure your guests can move around freely to talk with one another.
Find more ideas for your next party in our Gather section.
