Although the festive party season is well and truly behind us, there is cause for celebration all year round. Hosting, while a lot of fun, can be profoundly stressful, even for those with a natural talent for organisation. You may have no trouble hosting a handful of guests, but as the numbers increase, so might your cortisol levels. Furthermore, if your home is relatively small, it may not be considered the ideal setting for birthdays, anniversaries and reunions. However, if you’re ready to bite the bullet, consider these helpful hosting tips for large gatherings.
Temporarily Rearrange The Furniture
If you have a large property, you will have the luxury of plenty of space at your disposal. In contrast, those with more modest lodgings may need to do a bit of clever rearranging in order to free up some space. Remove any unnecessary furniture items, ornaments and anything likely to get broken and store them temporarily in a room you don’t plan on using for your gathering. If the weather is warm and mild, it may be a good idea for your guests to make use of your garden or patio - you could even hire a gazebo if there is a chance of rain.
Consider A Self-Serve Buffet
Catering for large groups of people can be a monumental task. While you may pride yourself on your cooking skills, a buffet may be better suited for a crowded gathering - besides, you might not have enough room at the dining table for everybody! Opt for “picky” food items that your guests can enjoy whilst sat or stood in groups - sandwiches, quiche, pastries, samosas and anything else that can be eaten with hands.
Offer A Wide Range Of Food
Speaking of food, the more guests you welcome into your home, the more likely you are to encounter somebody with dietary restrictions. For a successful social gathering, it is crucial to make every guest feel valued and looked after by catering to everybody’s individual needs. You may have friends and relatives who abstain from meat and/or dairy due to religious or moral principles. You may also have guests with severe allergies, so it is vitally important that you take every step to avoid allergen cross-contamination.
Make A Drinks Bar
Continuously doing circuits of your home, topping up drinks all evening long is bound to wear you out. You can keep the drinks flowing by setting up a self-serve bar. You don’t need anything fancy or complicated - just a small selection of wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers. You could even go all out and make a cocktail bar complete with fruit juices, mini umbrellas and drink charms, so everybody knows whose beverage is whose.
Borrow Extra Seating
If you are planning a sit-down meal, you may need to borrow a few extra chairs to ensure you have enough seating for everybody. The beauty of an extending oak dining table is it guarantees a place for everyone when needed and can be folded back up for convenience once the party is over. You can always squeeze a few extra placemats in for the sake of good order and borrow extra chairs from a friend or neighbour.
Designate A Cloakroom
Large gatherings tend to become quickly crowded. Avoid surplus clutter by assigning a room in your house for storing coats and bags to save your guests from having to find odd nooks and crannies to stash their belongings. Make sure this room is relatively organised, so your guests aren’t searching through piles of clothing to find their coats. It is also worth ensuring all of your guests know where the appointed cloakroom is, so they can grab their bits and pieces and make a swift exit if needed.
Consider Disposable Plates and Cups
There are few things worse than the monstrous pile of dishes following a house party. While it may not be the best idea as far as the environment is concerned, it may be worth purchasing disposable plates and cutlery to make the cleanup operation that little bit easier. If you’re determined to keep your environmentally-conscious values intact, wash as you go, and accept help from your guests when it’s offered. Many hands make light work.