As part of my 2011 home-related resolutions, I'm going to try to host more events at my house. Brunches, movie nights, babysitting exchanges, and crafting afternoons are all on the calendar in the next few months.
Apparently I'm not alone: a friend of mine is hosting her own "crafternoon" next Saturday, and several other friends have already sent emails about upcoming dinner parties and get-togethers. Are you hosting this month? If so, what's on your calendar?
Years ago, some friends of mine who couldn't make it home for the holidays started a Christmas Eve gathering they dubbed "Orphan Christmas." The party consisted of a potluck dinner, charades, and plenty of holiday punch. Every year, those from the friend group who can't make it back East still gather to celebrate together.
Are you hosting a gathering for friends today? Perhaps you're hosting the entire extended family? Let me know all of the details of your hosting situation this year!
Let's face it: the employees at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (and their respective better halves) know how to party. When it comes to pouring a Scotch on the rocks midday or getting the suburban home prêt for guests, Mad Men is a prime example for all of us hosts. I've scoured season four for the best tips and decorating ideas, in hopes that we too might have a swingin' '60s-style holiday party this year. With these eight must haves, you'll be well on your way to being the next Betty Draper.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a huge undertaking, and you have my utmost admiration if you're the hostess this year! From getting your house in order to preparing the big meal and hosting house guests, it's a weekend of fun, reward, and some exhaustion.
When someone invites you into her home to celebrate a special holiday like Thanksgiving, show your appreciation by bringing a hostess gift. Start by thinking about your hostess and her entertaining style, then select an item that she will truly enjoy. Need some suggestions? Here are 10 hostess gifts we hope someone brings us on Thursday.
While it takes a lot of planning to host a memorable and special Thanksgiving, there's also plenty to be done if you're a guest at someone's table. You'll need to find out if you're expected to bring any dishes and select a hostess gift. This year, my family is doing a progressive Thanksgiving dinner. I'm excited to be both a guest and a host. How will you celebrate the holiday?
The hostess may have the mostess, but that doesn't mean she should pay. At least according to a recent poll, where I asked if you typically foot the bill for out-of-town guests. Sixty-four percent of Savvy readers say they're happy to host but don't cover meals or activities, while the remaining 36 percent say treating guests is part of being a good host. I'm not shocked by the findings, but I was intrigued by your passionate comments. Here are some of the highlights:
What camp are you in? Share your vote on the original post.
An overnight guest usually only requires a soft place to rest their head and a clean spot to wash up, but take your hosting skills a step further by welcoming them with a little treat. I've got a list of my immediate family and close friends' favorite confections, and whenever they're staying at my pad for the night, I always leave a bag of their favorite goodies on the bed waiting for them.
If I'm feeling extra ambitious, I'll wrap it up in something pretty with a tag that says, "Welcome." For everyone else whose sweet spot I don't have noted, I'll just put out an artisan chocolate candy bar or something most folks will enjoy. It's a simple gesture, but it goes a long way toward making visitors feel welcome.
Last weekend, while my boyfriend was hosting a couple of his good friends, the four of us went to dinner. At the end of the meal, the check came, and one credit card went down — my boyfriend's. He jumped to pick up the tab, and, to my surprise, his guests didn't fight him on it. The next day for brunch, the same thing happened. At the end of the weekend, he had picked up several meal tabs for his guests, and by the end of it, I was a little confused — as far as I'm concerned this isn't totally typical.
When I asked him about it, he replied that he thought it was the right thing to do, since they had paid for plane tickets to come and see him. While I understand the logic to some degree, I've never expected a friend hosting me to cover meals during my stay. If they're cooking at home, fine, but otherwise, I usually split meals out. On some occasions, I'll treat the host as a thank you for letting me stay, but I don't anticipate having my expenses covered. Tell me, what's your take — if you're hosting, are you also treating?
Knock, knock. They're heeeere. When someone calls to tell me they're coming to town, I immediately put it on my calendar, look for fun things to do, and make dinner reservations. Since I'm fortunate enough to have a guest room, I offer it up whenever I can to close friends and family. On the opposite end of the spectrum are folks like my dad, who can't handle hosting guests or even being a visitor himself. A hotel down the street suits him just fine — it has ice buckets and he can run around in his boxers without fear of flashing someone. I, however, like to leave my front door open and fresh pressed linens. What are your thoughts on hosting house guests?
