‘More complicated than it needs to be’: how to start hosting parties

Several months ago, staring down another empty weekend, a friend texted me. “Why is no one having parties?” she fumed. Illustration: Carmen Casado/The Guardian Some people were, we agreed, but not nearly enough. Indeed, in January, the Atlantic’s Ellen Cushing declared that “America is in a party deficit”, quoting a 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report that found only 4.1% of Americans attended or hosted a social event on an average holiday weekend. That figure was down a whopping 35% since 2004. Maybe the pandemic is to blame. Or the loneliness epidemic. Or smartphones . I conducted an informal survey (texting my friends) and at least one thing was clear: hosting can be intimidating . Some said it was too much work or too expensive. Others were worried no one would show up. “Hosting has become more complicated than it needs to be,” says Marina Birch, principal event architect at Birch Design Studio. The extravagant, artfully decorated events you see on Instagram look great, but a party doesn’t have to be so elaborate, aesthetic or expensive. “Hosting is really just about gathering people and making them feel comfortable,” Birch says. “When the focus shifts to how it looks instead of how it feels, it can feel overwhelming.” Below, experts share what you need to know to start hosting parties. Which elements should you consider ? Begin with the scale of your party and the guest list. Is this an intimate dinner for your closest friends? Or a larger, rowdier gathering for a bigger group? Start with whatever makes you feel the most at ease, says Rachael Glaws, principal and creative director of RGI Events. “If it is your first foray into hosting a party, do it in a location where you’re going to feel comfortable, and with people you’re going to feel comfortable in front of,” she says. Once that’s settled, move on to logistics. Renee Patrone Rhinehart, CEO and founder of Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, says essential details include: Timing : Daytime or night-time? How long will it last? Menu : Will there be food? If so, does that mean a sit-down dinner, only appetizers or a buffet? Will you have caterers? “Less is more when it comes to food,” Rhinehart says. “Keeping the menu simple yet delicious goes a long way.” Bar : If serving alcohol, which kinds? Which non-alcoholic beverages will you have available? Don’t skimp on ice, says Rhinehart: “You can never have enough!” Kids : Are they invited, or is it an adults-only affair? How do you host a party inexpensively? “Hosting well doesn’t have to mean spending a lot,” says Birch. She suggests focusing on a few things done thoughtfully. “Simple food that you love, candlelight, good music and a welcoming atmosphere can carry an entire evening,” she says. Graphic with three lines of text that say, in bold, ‘Well Actually’, then ‘Read more on living a good life in a complex world,’ then a pinkish-lavender pill-shaped button with white letters...

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