The art of hosting – 3 experts share their top tips for stress-free seasonal gatherings

Tara O’Connor, Event & PR Professional

Serve a glass of bubbles as soon as guests arrive.

Put on a cheerful but relaxed playlist as well as low lighting. I just use lamps in the room I am hosting and lots of candlelight to add sparkle and atmosphere.

Don’t leave guests too long without food.

Timing is everything. Have some nibbles on offer and try to sit guests within an hour of them arriving at your house.

Preparation is key.

I recommend having everything ready before your guests arrive. Set the table the day before or the morning of. Light the candles as soon as guests are due to sit for dinner and not while they are sitting. A cold starter is always handy, as this can be made before and just served straight away. Make sure you have lots of sparkling and still water on hand and delegate the job of water and wine pouring to someone. Make sure you know about any special dietary requirements ahead of time, so there are no surprises on the night.

Never do your florals too high, so you can see your guests across the table.

The same applies to candles. Keep tea lights low and taper candles tall, slim and not in big vessels. I always test every seat to make sure I can see the guest opposite where someone is sitting. Also, leave your scented candles off the dinner table. I always have one in the hall and bathroom but avoid other scents apart from food near the table until the meal is finished. If you’re hosting a cocktail party, where guests are sitting or standing throughout your living areas, you can still dress up your dining table to act as a central table for food platters or hors d’oeuvres.

Katie Quinn, Head Chef Lilliput Stores

As much as I love hosting, the chances to do so are few and far between these days. I have kids, a very small house which barely fits us let alone guests, and a busy work life. I have, however, grown up with and worked with great hosts so here are the tips I’ve picked up from them:

Plan your menu carefully.

I remember a chef I used to work with said to me that you should design a menu you want to eat yourself. This has become our number one rule at Lilliput Stores when we are creating menus. It sparks inspiration and gives the food some personality, which in turn, is empowering. When we create from a place of genuine passion and curiosity, it resonates with our guests. It’s not just about taste, it’s about crafting an experience that feels authentic, one that we’re excited to share and are proud to stand behind.

Keep it simple!

Another lesson learned from someone along the way. There’s no point in stressing over a dish you’ve never cooked before or putting yourself under pressure by trying to put on a three-course meal when you just don’t have the space or the time. Take shortcuts if you need to. There’s no shame in using quality pre-prepared elements to save time and energy. Here at Lilliput Stores, we have a variety of different sauces, dips and dressings to help you out when you’re in a hosting bind.

The real magic is in bringing people together and creating an atmosphere where everyone, including you, can relax and enjoy. Simple dishes done well can be just as impressive, if not more so, than overly complicated ones.

Atmosphere is everything.

I’ve seen good food go to waste over badly managed ambience, so never underestimate the power of a good playlist or a few strategically placed tea lights. These small touches can transform a meal into an experience, setting the mood and making guests feel welcome and comfortable. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the entire setting makes people feel. Lighting and music all contribute to creating a memorable dining experience that elevates the food and leaves a lasting impression.

Gillian Boyle, Bartender

Make sure everyone feels comfortable and included regardless of preference.

Dietary preferences, alcohol-free choices, and food intolerances are now widely accepted and embraced in social settings. I am a Lacto/Pesci (meaning I eat dairy products and fish) with a sober partner, so I have experienced what it means to be the odd one out. There is a plethora of choices out there to suit any scale, budget and taste. It’s not about having separate meals or food, it’s about inclusivity.

On that note… regardless of who you are catering for, little paper plate colours/paper notes or boujee handwritten cards can help clear up confusion over what’s on offer.  Just make sure to double-check that you know what is going on whose plate! Eating gluten or dairy for example is disaster town if you are intolerant, especially in someone else’s house.

Plan ahead for late arrivals.

I can only speak from my own experience living in London and Dublin, but timekeeping and time blindness is rampant! People have families and other things going on, so make sure to allow for late arrivals and have something as a backup (or make extra). Sweet and salty treats (e.g. pretzels) are always a good idea to have on hand for guests to nibble on too – even if they say they’re too full for snacks!

In hospitality, lights, temperature and music are monitored all of the time – so keep an eye on these things when hosting.

Depending on your audience, these choices will vary through the course of an evening but the ambience or energy in a room can make or break a night. 

The Big Light is my mortal enemy! Turning on bright white lights can make some people feel self-conscious. The good news is that there are many options available. Candles, fairy lights and other pocket-sized options all help create beautiful, soft mood lighting. Making your guests feel comfortable is the aim of the game. That said, it’s important to get the balance right because total darkness may also cause chaos!

Regulating hot and cold temperatures is another tricky thing to get right. There will always be people who are too hot and others who are freezing! Christmas jumpers, Christmas gúnas and festive wear in general can be really warm. Equally, some pieces are skimpy, light and only suited for a night beside the fire. The key is to read the room. As the host, you’ll probably feel the heat more because you’re rushing around so keep an eye on your guests and tailor things as needed.

Honesty is the best policy. Let people know that if it is too warm for them, they are more than welcome to pop outside. Some people may struggle to ask as they don’t want to come across as rude but nobody needs a fainter at Christmas dinner! 

Music can be a great tone-setter for the night, distracting from the silence and helping guests feel more comfortable socialising. If you have access to Spotify or iTunes, be sure to make a playlist ahead of time, that way you have control over what’s played and can avoid random song requests after people are four glasses of prosecco in…

Have water readily available.

If you are having drinks over Christmas, the range of booze usually has no end, especially in an Irish household. Prosecco, Guinness, wine, whiskey, cans, brandy, Baileys, sherry… the list goes on. It’s always nice to have a few classics on offer but water is an essential. Whether you serve tap, still or sparkling, is up to you.

Making sure your guests stay hydrated doesn’t have to be a big deal – a few paper cups will do. Making water readily available means that everyone will enjoy their night that little bit more, particularly if it has been a heavy one! It also can take away the awkwardness of having to ask for it if you’re the designated driver or just don’t feel like boozing. Having a few non-alcoholic drinks is a great idea but they can become quite sweet and filling after a while, so it’s equally important to have a variety of options for those guests too. 

Feature image courtesy of The Designed Table.