Growing up my Mom would often host friends at our home, whether it be to celebrate the holiday season, a birthday or nothing at all. I left Oklahoma when I was just sixteen for boarding school, so her hosting\u00a0was always\u00a0a chance for me to see some of my old friends whenever I would come home.<\/p>\n
In college, my best friend and I often found ourselves hosting wild and typically late night parties at our apartment. Now as an adult, I love to host. I love all the details, planning and personalization that goes into having your friends over\u00a0and what is more fun than bringing people together. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so to keep myself sane, I always prep the night before. The house needs to be totally clean\u00a0with\u00a0full rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms,\u00a0the menu\u00a0needs to be seasonal, surprising and work for all my friends with allergies and dietary restrictions and there has to be just the right amount of alcohol (aka always have more than you think you will need).\u00a0Oh and the music is key. I will usually tap a friend for her perfect playlist. The idea\u00a0is to keep everyone comfortable and give them what they want. In the end, it’s never going to be perfect, but you gotta just go with it and like everything else, practice makes perfect. The more experience you have, the better and more confidant of a host you will be become.<\/p>\n
Since\u00a0December is the ultimate celebratory\u00a0month, I thought I would share a few\u00a0of the best\u00a0tips I’ve picked up over\u00a0the years. Here’s what you need to know before your next party:<\/p>\n
Tip 1:\u00a0Be mindful of the powder room.<\/strong> Keep a cool mouthwash<\/a> near the sink, you never know who might feel like they need a swish swish. Candles<\/a> are great too. I like to keep them lit in the bathrooms to make people feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n