Feeling more put together instantly is what I like to call, an indigo day. It’s the whole motto behind this entire blog. I truly believe that feeling a little more put-together does not have to be complicated or hard. It’s not overly fancy either. And what you do to accomplish this may make you feel better, but may not work for someone else and vice versa. These little tips and hacks can be a part of your beauty routine, your home, how you get dressed and everything in between. Some of these are tips that I personally swear by, and some are from the Indigoers of this community.
As part of the put-together series of my best tips, today is all about my go-to tips and tricks for feeling more put-together when hosting or entertaining. It’s the little tricks and things you do to set yourself up for success to make your next get-together feel a little more put-together and less chaotic.
Tips To Feel And Look More Put Together When Hosting
Have A Go-To Cocktail
No matter who stops by unannounced or for extended stays, having a go-to cocktail you can confidently whip up is a great hostess trick. I personally love to make guests a Moscow Mule, or a margarita. I always have the ingredients on hand. Keeping mini cans of ginger beer, or tonic water, or whatever, in your fridge or pantry will also help to allow you to whip up a great cocktail in no time. Even if it’s just a vodka tonic!
Make A Checklist
Whether you’re hosting friends for the weekend, or a Thanksgiving meal, make a checklist to ensure you don’t forget a thing. You may think you’re on top of it all, but you don’t want to miss anything. If the prep can’t be done in just one day, add it to your calendar to knock out over a few days. And even break it down that way. For hosting Thanksgiving as an example, I’d set the table days ahead, do the grocery shopping in advance, and plan out prepping dishes accordingly. Some can be done a day or two in advance, while others may need to be done last minute. Plan it out!
Delegate Tasks To Guests
Yes, delegate! It’s totally fine to say you need help. Especially when it comes to hosting big holiday meals. Assign dessert and a side or salad to a friend and enjoy knocking those things off your to-do list. A good rule of thumb is to at least assign out dessert. Delegating an appetizer, wine or an important side may just cause added stress. Dessert is at the end of the meal and not a big deal if that person isn’t right on time. This also provides a little control so guests aren’t bringing things that you don’t need and take up space or valuable oven space. There’s nothing worse than telling a guest to bring an appetizer and then they take over your kitchen to prep it there. Be direct, people will appreciate this, I promise!
Create A Drink Station
So you aren’t in charge of pouring everyone a drink, or whipping up fancy cocktails, make a drink station if you’re having more than a handful of people over. It allows them help themselves, frees up your hands and keeps the party moving. Keep the drink station simple though. There’s no need to put out every single liquor or garnish. You can even keep it super simple with a signature cocktail that’s pre-mixed allowing them to pour and go. Then just add in a white and red wine and call it a day.
Choose A Comfortable But Put Together Outfit
When hosting, it’s easy to want to be all dressed up to match the mood. But then it’s also tempting to just wear the leggings that you’ve been in all day getting your house ready. But before guests come, definitely change into your favorite put together outfits that make you feel confident and feel comfortable! Wearing clothes that feel good but are obviously not the ones you enjoy lounging around the house in, will be a perfect balance. Let’s leave the sweatpants in the drawer and try something a little more elevated. Think faux leather leggings and an oversized sweater. Or maybe a relaxed trouser and a simple top. You also don’t need to be in heels. Try a stylish slipper like these. And if you’re into dresses, a little black dress with a cozy cardigan feels very hostess chic and put together but is oh so comfortable.
Tips For Having House Guests
Leave The Coffee Out
When having overnight guests, you don’t want to leave them hanging if they wake up earlier than you do. Set your house up to help out guests with a few essentials like leaving the coffee maker out and easy to access. Including the coffee and mugs! A little tray on your counter with the essentials is a nice way to welcome your guests and they can help themselves to their morning cup of coffee without feeling like they’re overstepping in your kitchen.
A Perfect Guest Bedroom
How I wish to have a big house one day to actually have guest bedrooms for friends to stay over. But if I were to have one, this is what I’d do. I’d deck that room and bathroom out as best I could. Extra towels, especially washcloths and hand towels for your morning skincare routine and removing makeup at night. I’d also provide an eye mask in case your room doesn’t have black-out curtains. If you’re big drinkers, you may want to also leave a bottle of water and some Advil on the nightstand for a little hangover prevention. And don’t forget to leave a little note with the wi-fi info!
Have Snacks Readily Available
Even though you may feel welcome in someone’s home, I get the feeling of being hungry and not wanting to raid their pantry. Leave out some easy snacks that guests can munch on that don’t require them to dig through your cabinets. A few bowls of nuts, pretzels or candies. And a big bowl of fresh fruit that’s ready to grab is great. Having a few things out will make your guests feel like they can grab and go as they please without bothering you. Making them feel even more at home and welcome.
Provide Slippers Or Cozy Socks
When guests are lounging around the house it can be nice to have some cozy slippers. This way they aren’t likely to put their shoes on while in the house, and it just feels cozy! Provide some slippers in the guest room like these spa slippers you can buy in a big pack. Or even some nice socks. These make a great gift and you can stock up on them during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. You’re sure to be the hostess of the year if you do this one little gesture for your guests!
