The Art of Simple yet Elegant Hosting
I am a lover of hosting friends and loved ones. It’s been a space i use to show and brag on new recipes i want to share, but most importantly, its a space we can sit down, gather around the table, share a meal, create memories and share laughter as for me thats the utmost measure of a good party. Laughter and good damn food!! That said, in the recent past i have kind of avoid or to better put it … i have been in a state.. loving the idea from a far.. questioning everything i know about hosting and gatherings as i dance with the idea of getting back into that space of hosting and how i need a change up as soon !!!! Kinda feeling stuck in a RUT.
This recent urge has taken me down a rabbit hole of finding new ways to kick start my energy levels and creativity so that i can go back to this space of hosting …. make it entertaining for everyone am hosting and more than anything, start sharing and of course low key bragging with the new recipes i have developed.
I wrote down what matters more to me when i am being hosted. I also did a dig up to my inner wandia and what that meant for her. Setting intentions of hosting and what that looked and meant for me! I came up with a list. I also googled through the internet and found a few tips and tricks that reinforced and reaffirmed my list.
In her book, The Art of gathering : How we meet and why it matters., Priya parker the founder of thrive labs, concurs with the lists and also adds on more to it. So this is what i came up with as my enhanced list with pointers from the book.
- Step back and set an intention of every host up. Ask yourself the WHY? and the WHO? This sets apart the direction to which the hosting will go and also provide a guide on decor and ambiance, location be it indoors or outdoors, recipes to be cooked, stories to be shared and games to be played et cetera et cetera . Setting intentions will also answer questions like what traditions should be observed, and to yourself you will be answering, does this gathering reflect my values. Something i have discovered about hosting is that once you betray yourself and your authenticity, your energy will be off and this will most definitely affect the energy of the group thus leaving everyone feeling bald and meeh! I am sure you know that feeling, as most often that not, we have all been there!
- Location location location… This is the next most important question after your whys? Why you ask? Because location can either make or break your gatherings’ intention. Small spaces can kill the vibe as your persons’ will be struggling with stuffiness and scrummed spaces, and too big spaces will create a feeling of distance and people will retreat to the comfort that comes with small circles of the people they came with or know, thus missing out on the most beautiful things about the gathering, the meeting of new people. Yes the introvert in me i dare say that! The ideal space IMO would be a space that considers individual sitting space and comfortable movement space for everyone.
- Tell a story with the invite. This is the one thing that just sets the tone and reinstates the mood and ambiance of the gathering knitting everything all together . It also helps your persons come prepared. Should the kids be in tow? Is it a grown up setting? At this point it’s also a good thing to state if they so wish to come with a gift, it would be a kind thing and offer your guidance where neccesary. ( My peoples, i am shouting this one for the people at the back), please don’t show up empty handed. Carry snacks for the host children and also those in attendance, this is a direct endearment score. Carry for the host a thoughtful simple something… this is the next best thing. And should all else fails, bring your own bottle! Your inner self will definitely thank you.
Bringing it all home…. make sure you pack up a good old laugh from the belly. You know…. that tummy ache-good laughter tears session. For me, this marks the hallmark of a good gathering. And as the good adage says, Laughter is the best medicine. It makes life worth living. It’s in that smile that you make when no one is around. Long after the party is over. Thats where the memories live!
I sure do hope this will make your next gathering a memorable one. Try them and let me know how it goes.
