7 Simple Tips for Hosting Friends Last Minute
I have a few theories about why people don’t host more often. Maybe we’re embarrassed by our homes, the dust on the furniture or the smudges on the windows. Some may feel their house isn’t organized or picked up enough. They may be nervous about the lack of space or seating they have. Worst yet, they may be worried about their cooking.
I may never want you to see my closet, but I absolutely want you to come into my home. Not only that, I want to empower more people to host friends, planned or more likely, last minute. And, you guessed it I want people to feel like they can host a last-minute dinner party even if the living room is a mess at 4 PM and the dining table needs a good wipe down.
While a lot of events can be planned whether it’s Bible study, book club, a summer barbecue or mom’s night out, I love to host even those times when I’m given a moment’s notice.
Here are some strategies for hosting last minute that have helped me when it seems friends may come over without time to clean or go grocery shopping.
1. The Quick Pickup
Is there toilet paper in the guest bathroom? Has the sink been wiped down and clean hand towels been added? If there’s time can I vacuum or better yet use the best wet vacuum around?
If I’m able I’ll pick up things off the stairs and make sure there’s room for guest to hang their coats in colder months. If little girls are coming over I have a bin of my old Barbie’s I’ll bring up so they aren’t overwhelmed with all the boy’s toys, and noise!
I may check that there’s enough seating and see if I need to add a leaf to our kitchen table and make sure there are enough chairs around each space.
2. Freezer Staples
If I think about gathering friends last minute, I’m always going to think about what’s in my freezer. Have I batch cooked spaghetti sauces, have any curry in freezer bags or marinated meat I can quickly thaw and serve? If I’m cooking a main dish I’ll likely make sure I can either make up a quick pizza or that there’s steak or chicken to thaw and grill.
I remember when my kids were much younger reading somewhere that I should always have snacks for kids stocked and I couldn’t agree more. Freezer sections at Trader Joe’s and Costco are your ideal here. Think about pizza’s and taquitos that are ready in twenty minutes. Fun flavors of ice cream or little cones to keep on hand. Often playdates used to occur that turned into times of hungry kids while the Moms chatted away. Kid snacks on hand come in very handy here!
I try to stock my freezer with homemade bread now too. This comes in handy if you can have sourdough sliced with some olive oil and balsamic dipping sauce for an easy appetizer when the first guest arrives.
3. Pantry Staples
We always stock our pantry with things like crackers, chips, and salsas. I have a huge block of good cheese for slicing on hand in my fridge so cheese and crackers are available. If you think about it grab olives, tapenades, and pickles for a last minute charcuterie plate with little effort on your part.
I think this is some of the best advice, put cheese plates together while your friends are there. They know the event has been spur of the moment too and I think people are much more comfortable in a home that’s clearly lived in, like their own, than one thats picture perfect.
4. Use the Real Stuff
We use cloth napkins and real tablecloths and I couldn’t love them more. When a big group comes over I use dishes that my Mom had from the 60’s. I don’t mind using the good stuff for friends, ever. If we don’t use it now with friends while hosting, what are we waiting for?
I don’t tend to have fresh flowers, but if it’s summer and they’re outside I’ll pick some for the middle of the table. Without fresh flowers to pick? Fresh herbs can be just lovely in little mason jars. Light scented candles if you have any on hand, and you’re all set.
5. Don’t Worry
If you’re uptight, your guests won’t stay long. Kids know they aren’t supposed to eat in our basement or go up to bedrooms when a larger group of friends are over, but overall I don’t sweat the small stuff. I’m not worried if toys are out and kids are running around. I’m not worried about there being dishes in my sink or smudges on my windows. If you’re not worried about they won’t either.
6. Tell Guests to Help Themselves, Really.
I want people to know where more napkins are, to grab another glass from the cupboard or feel free to open another bottle of wine. I want people to feel comfortable and at home as much as possible in my own home. If I see friends opening up my kitchen to find things, it makes me happy.
7. It’s OK to Clean Up While They’re There
Maybe this isn’t a popular opinion, you tell me, but I don’t think it’s rude to load your dishwasher and clean up at the end of the night. Especially as you’re chatting and winding down for the evening, it’s ok to do a quick pickup and get a load of dishes going. Again, I know if I left friends homes with a mess, I’d feel bad. If I left and knew we had cleaned up some, I’d rest better myself that evening.
So, I’m curious. Are you one to host more often? Will you host as the weather warms up and we’re able to be outside more? Do you worry about smudges on your windows or are you ready to host, smudges and all?
