The Art of Hosting Well: What Every Guest Will Notice
Hosting friends and family in your home doesn’t have to feel stressful. Whether it’s overnight guests or a dinner party, a thoughtful setup helps everyone feel comfortable and cared for—and ensures you can actually enjoy the moment too.
Our Interior Design Associate, Jennifer Mullin, shares her top hosting tips (plus the common mistakes you’ll want to avoid).
➡️If you feel like your home isn’t set up for hosting—or if the thought of guests makes you realize your spaces just don’t flow the way you’d like—we can help. Our design team specializes in creating homes that aren’t just beautiful, but also functional for the way you gather. Explore our Design Services Here.
1. Create a Welcoming Guest Bedroom
When hosting overnight guests, the bedroom sets the tone. Think hotel-level comfort:
- Fresh linens: Always use clean, crisp sheets. Plain, high-quality bedding is best.
- Pillow options: Offer both feather and non-feather pillows so guests can choose what they prefer.
- Water within reach: Leave a pitcher or bottle of sparkling water on the nightstand for easy access.
- Thoughtful extras: A small stack of books or magazines adds charm, while a good hair dryer and quality shampoo/conditioner in the bathroom show next-level hospitality.
Hosting mistake to avoid: Skimping on basics. A cluttered nightstand, musty towels, or no water in sight leaves guests feeling like an afterthought.
2. Prioritize Powder Room Details
The guest bathroom or powder room is often the most-visited space during a gathering. Elevate it with a few intentional touches:
- Disposable linen-style hand towels
- Light a lightly scented candle 20 minutes before guests arrive
- Luxury hand soap and lotion
Hosting mistake to avoid: Using only decorative towels. Guests should never feel awkward about what to dry their hands on.
3. Keep Clutter Out of Sight
Jennifer’s number-one rule? No clutter. Before guests arrive:
- Clear countertops, tables, and entryways.
- Stash stacks of mail and everyday mess in a drawer if you have to.
- Empty trash bins throughout the house.
Hosting mistake to avoid: Letting guests see your dirty dishes or piles of stuff. It instantly kills the ambiance.
4. Set the Mood with Lighting & Scents
Ambience makes or breaks a gathering. Jennifer recommends:
- Lighting: Dim the lights and turn on your layered accent lighting, so that the house feels warm and inviting. The wrong light bulbs or overhead lighting alone will feel harsh and sterile.
- Candles: Scented in the powder room, unscented everywhere else so they don’t compete with your food.
- Fresh flowers: Always choose real arrangements. Trader Joe’s is a great source for tasteful, seasonal blooms.
Hosting mistake to avoid: Fake flowers or overly bright overhead lights.
5. Master the Dinner Party Essentials
From tablescapes to cleanup, a little planning goes a long way:
- Tablescape: Use real linen or cotton napkins, low-profile floral arrangements, and candles that guests can see around.
- Serveware: Provide the right tools—cheese knives for charcuterie boards, cocktail plates, and cloth napkins.
- Kitchen prep: Clean as you cook, and bonus points if the dishwasher is empty before dinner, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Beverage variety: Offer sparkling water, still water, wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic options.
Hosting mistake to avoid: Paper plates. This will instantly devalue/degrade the whole experience.
6. Don’t Forget the Outdoors
When hosting outside, nothing ruins a meal faster than flies. Invest in fly nets or fans to keep pests at bay.
7. End on a High Note
Plan to have coffee (or herbal tea) ready to brew after dinner so you can push a button and serve effortlessly.
Final Thought
Hosting well isn’t about perfection—it’s about thoughtfulness. A clutter-free home, fresh details, and genuine hospitality actually make a guest feel valued.
Stop by our Home Market in historic downtown Franklin to complete your selection of hosting essentials—and if you’re ready to take the next step, click here to explore how our Award-Winning Design Team can help you set up your space for the kind of gatherings you’ve always dreamed of.