Jasmin Pittman

Hosts Just Wanna Have Fun (Too)

Let’s put an end to everyone but the host having fun at the party

People grabbing food from an abundant table outside filled with bowls of rice, noodles, meats, and veggies.

Do you feel like the last party you hosted was a total blur? We get it. It’s easy to forget to enjoy your own party when you’re busy looking out for your guests. But how about bringing you (i.e. the fabulous host) back into the equation? After all, we know you’re the life of the party.

Step One: Cleaning Up

Cleaning house? Do the big stuff–whatever that means to you–a few days in advance.
Day of party. Just focus on a quickie clean. Wipe out the bathroom sink. Run a cloth over the coffee table. Sweep through high-traffic areas one more time.
An hour before party-time, take a cue from Elsa and let it go. No one will notice if you didn’t scrub the baseboards. Look at you. You’re already doing great.

Step Two: Aim for Menu Ease

The easiest menu hack? Have a cocktail party! It’s all the fun of a dinner party with a small fraction of the work. Your Stove = Small Role. You + Friends = The Stars.
Aim for a mostly-room-temperature food menu, like a charcuterie board. (check out this gorgeous white oak board, if you’re looking for inspiration.)
Or, maybe just grab a few of your favorite shareable dishes from restaurants, picked up in the afternoon, and served in Coupes so that everyone can try a few bites.
Think strategically about how (or if) to use your oven here. Maybe you toast some bread. Or, roast a tray of vegetables or spiced nuts to round out the offerings.

Image of someone chopping radishes and other vegetables on a counter with a green serving bowl of ramen in the forefront

Step Three : Let’s Think About Drinks

You’re not a bartender! Unless you are, and even still, you’re off duty.
Gear your party around one or two cocktails that you (or a helpful guest) can mix up by the pitcher. Maybe have a second pitcher waiting in the wings if the pours are coming fast.
Have some mixers on hand for those who just want a simple gin or vodka tonic or scotch and soda.
And expect the unexpected: Don’t stress! But it’s always a good idea to have more of everything on hand than you think you need. And always have a few good options that are alcohol-free. We like a nice locally-made kombucha or seltzer punched up with simple syrup infused with herbs here.

a table with assorted drinks and glasses as well as a bowl filled with ice and wine bottles and a separate bowl filled with whole and sliced citrus fruit

Step Four: Serve it Up

Think through your menu and what you need to serve it.
Do you have the servingware you need? Bowls? What about big spoons or forks? Glassware? What’s your little plate and napkin situation? Yes, these are annoying questions, but knowing in advance so you can buy or borrow what you need sure beats realizing it the day of the party.

A large bowl with a bean salad, a smaller bowl next to it with green onions, another bowl with limes and a bowl with radishes

Step Five: Relax! Really.

Set up your food and drink zones about an hour before guests arrive.
One last sweep of the rooms where guests will gather, dim the lights, cue the music (we’re partial to our East Fork playlists), light a fire or some candles. Change into your favorite outfit.
Take a cue from East Fork’s Emily Bukoski, who is the executive assistant to our CEO, Alex Matisse. Emily says, “When I’m going to entertain… I go ahead and set out the wine glasses and arrange the chairs and light the candles well ahead of everyone arriving, so when people get there I’m truly just enjoying the gathering like everyone else, and not rushing around looking for the wine opener at the last minute.”