Hosting is Easy
I try to host a gathering at my house twice a month, and yesterday my friend texted me to ask if I was home and if they could come over in 15 minutes. Here's how to always stay ready:
Have charcuterie board ingredients on hand
Keep some sparkling water and bottles of wine in your house
Make sure your guest bathroom is clean
If its a big event, like Friendsgiving, schedule your cleaning person to come the next day so you don't have to clean up
That's it!
Foods to Keep On Hand
3 Cheeses (Boursin, Brie, Port Salut, Havarti, Goat, etc.)
3 Meats (Costco Antipasto Variety Pack works great)
Crackers
Jar of Olives
Jar of Roasted Red Pepper
Pepper Jam
Apple or Grapes
Chocolate Bar
Bagged Salad Kit
Case of Sparkling Water
Case of Wine
Prepare Your House
If your house is already clean:
Set out some food and you're ready to host!
If your house is kinda messy:
Move the clutter into a bedroom
Make sure your bathroom is somewhat clean
Break out some disposable plates and cups
Remember that these are your friends and they don't really care if your house is a mess and it's just nice getting everyone together
Ambiance
Pandora's Hipster Cocktail Party playlist is my number one most complimented background music station
Light a mini candle in the bathroom and another candle on the coffee table
Reasons to Host
Themed Dinner Party
Game Night / Brunch
Birthdays
Crafting Night
Book Club
Holidays
Tea Party
Learn a Recipe Night
Cookie Baking Party
TV Premiere / Finale Party
Meal Prep Day
Articles Club (a lower commitment book club)
No Reason, Just Hanging
Pre-Made Options
Pizza
Bagels, Lox, Cream Cheese, OJ
Costco Shepard's Pie
Costco Chicken Pot Pie
Costco Lasagna
Costco Rotisserie Chicken
Family Meals from Most Restaurants
Big Meal Prep
If you are hosting a big event with complicated food, start prepping several days before hand
Cake components, cookie dough and other desserts can be made the week prior and frozen, then assembled the day before
Vegetables, cheeses, and other ingredients that need to be chopped and shredded can be prepped the day before
Meats that are getting marinated, as well as brunch casseroles can be prepped the night before
You could also just order everything from a restaurant and transfer the food onto your serving platters, we've all done it