Some of the best parties are also the most lowkey. What’s more fun than hanging out, catching up, and enjoying the company of some of your closest friends? However, while small gatherings might have a shorter guest list, they still come with many responsibilities for the host. From stocking your pantry to making sure your home looks nice, there are quite a few preparations you need to take care of before guests come knocking. That’s why we’ve put together this list of top tips for hosting a small get-together and making the most of your gathering.
Make Your Home Welcoming
You don’t have to go all-out by deep cleaning every surface or covering the walls in decorations; instead, focus on making your guests feel comfortable as soon as they arrive. Clean up clutter and provide plenty of places for people to sit. Set out chips, fruit trays, or sweets for everyone to snack on casually. Most importantly, strike up conversations! Introduce people who may not know each other or catch up with those you haven’t seen in a while. Playing music in the background or setting out games to play can also build a more relaxed, casual atmosphere for you and your guests to hang out in.
Take It Outside
Even with a small gathering, your home might start to feel crowded. Consider taking your party outside to create more space and treat your guests to some fresh air. You can even rent a small tent so that you don’t have to worry about providing shade or keeping guests safe from the rain. Outdoor tents also give you more room to decorate, set up games or food, and get creative with your party planning. Plus, the extra space lets you turn your get-together into a socially distant party that’s safe for everyone.
Don’t Overcomplicate It
There are plenty of recipes, decoration tips, and other fun party planning ideas to find on the internet. However, one of the best tips for hosting a small get-together is to not overdo it. If you’re planning an outdoor cookout, for example, you don’t need to buy a very expensive grill. Especially if it’s just a small get-together, you can go for gas grills that cost less than 300 bucks and still host an amazing party. Don’t wear yourself out with unnecessary details and plans. Instead, let your setup appeal to your own style and capabilities. At the end of the day, the most important part of your get-together is spending time with your friends.
Before you forget, prepare your party invitations ahead of time, and send them out two to three weeks before the event date. Make it quick and easy to send handwritten invites by using ready-made invitations cards. Or you can send an email invitation for greater efficiency. Either way, make sure to give your guests ample time to respond and prepare for the gathering.
