Hello Friends!
It’s hard to believe that Easter is this weekend. My love for hosting runs deep, but I know that not everyone feels the same way I do. I am fully aware of the stress that can overtake us when it comes to hosting, and before we know it we are barking orders at our family. I’ve learned a lot from hosting over the years, and today I’m sharing my top 3 easy hosting tips. These are hands down some of my go-to advice when it comes to hosting. So whether you are hosting Easter for the first time, or a seasoned veteran, I’m confident these hosting tips will help you host with confidence, and inspire more gatherings.
Let’s Host with Confidence Together ~
Tip #1 – Clean Now
Why wait until the day of to clean? Most likely you will already be busy preparing the food you are going to serve, don’t add one more task to the day of. Plan ahead and take some time and clean up the day before. Start with the areas that your guests will be in most. For me this is our kitchen, dining room, guest bath, and maybe our living room (because usually we are all hanging out in the kitchen). I start with the areas that we use most, cleaning off countertops, vacuuming the floors, making sure all the clutter in the dining room is tucked out of sight, and cleaning the half bath our company will be using.
Doing this the day before allows me to focus on what I need to most – the food, the day of, and also provides me with a clean slate to start in. There is nothing worse than spending all your time preparing food in the kitchen, that your company arrives and you haven’t had a chance to clean the bathroom they will be using. So do yourself a favor and give everything a quick cleaning the day before, that way you aren’t left with any unsightly messes when company arrives.
Tip #2 – Set your Table the Day Before
Once I’m done cleaning, I focus on the dining room. Getting the table set the day before ensures that I am ready upon my guests arrival, and also shows my guests that I have prepared a place for them. This also includes pulling out any serving trays or platters I plan on using. Giving my decanter or pitcher a quick rinse so there aren’t any dust bunnies laying around, and allowing me to set up a little drink serving station, that also makes hosting easier the day of.
Set up a serving station for drinks or brunch to help spread things out, and allow guests to serve themselves. See my Spring Bar Cart station below ~
*Quick Tip* for an insider tablescape trick, match your flowers with your candlesticks. A quick trip to the grocery store for some fresh flowers, and your Easter table is already off to a great start. Want an easy way to make your tablescape look effortless. Match the color of your flowers to an element on your table. This could be candles, napkins, plates, even the same color ribbon tied around your napkins in lieu of napkin rings. Coordinating colors on your table is a great way to give the overall look and feel of your table a cohesive look, that will leave your guests impressed!
For more Spring Tablescape Ideas, click the photo below ~
Tip #3 – Remember the Why
In a world that can get wrapped up in the picture perfect setting or meal, remember why and who you are doing all of this for. I can’t tell you how many times my stress level would get the best of me trying to make everything perfect. Yes it’s true, I love putting an emphasis on the details, but when the details become more important than those who are coming to gather around our table there needs to be a shift in our priorities. Yes, we want things to be nice for all those who are coming, but not at the expense of our loved ones or our own sanity. Remember it’s not about us. Sure we are making an effort into setting the table ahead of time, and preparing a tasty meal, but ultimately it’s about the family and friends we are gathering with, and the welcoming space we create for them. When things start to feel a little stressful, and you find yourself in the throws of cooking or cleaning, remember the why – and who you are doing it for, and how blessed they will be.
I believe that when we serve our families out of love, we are nurturing them in the way God intended, in a way that makes them feel valued, cared for, and that they belong.
For more Hosting Tips and Advice, Check out my Books Here ~
Hi Bre – thank you so much for sharing these great tips and the beautiful pictures for inspiration! Thank you, especially for sharing the “why” and challenging us to “remember the why”…..it was particularly meaningful for me. I am a pastor’s wife and have recently been invited to speak at a Ladies Retreat in late May. I’ve felt led to speak on Biblical hospitality, a topic that I believe is so important for believers today, and even more so following a pandemic! Your thoughts on the “why” really spoke to me and I’m hoping to share those ideas with the ladies at the retreat. Thank you for sharing – I’ve been a follower of your blog for a long time and always enjoy the ideas and inspiration. But this blog post and especially #3 spoke volumes! Blessings to you…..💗🙏🏼
Great advice Bre! Doing/making what you can ahead takes alot of stress out of entertaining… friends, or family. Another idea….I know people who keep all their “special stuff” (pretty dishes, etc) for “company” only….why not treat our families the same way.
Everything you said makes so much sense!!! I learned from my mom the fine art of hostessing with love and joy, and I feel such happiness making a wonderful holiday for the people I love. It doesn’t have to be expensive or super fancy. It just has to be done with a loving heart, and the party will be a joyful, successful one. God has been so good to me, and one way I can show that is to love others. Hosting is one of my happy places. I really enjoy your posts and your perspective on life. Joyous Easter to you!!!
Beautiful ideas….where did you purchase the rattan pitcher and bowl…Happy Easter