We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
This list came to be after many, many, many lessons learned and last-minute panicky thoughts rushed through my head. As the host of an event, you set the tone for the whole occasion, so if you are rushed and scrambling when your guests arrive, then your guests will immediately pick up on that. Plus you might be huffing and puffing if you just lugged a heavy bag of trash out, for example. The items on the list below can be done in the hour or few hours before hosting to make your event run that much smoother at the start, when things are often the most busy. In other words, these are items you can take care of well in advance of game time.
Food
- What food can I set out now? Are there any room temperature appetizers I can set out or things that need to come out of the fridge? Can I set out a charcuterie board?
- Stage platters, plates, napkins & silverware. Set out anything you can now to avoid thinking about it later.
- Do I need to preheat the oven for anything? You probably already know what needs to go in the oven, but this is a good time to double check if there is anything you can cook now and can just be warm while you cook later. For example, if you want to bake the dessert now so you don’t have to worry about putting it in during dinner (or accidentally make your guests wait hours for dessert – speaking from experience on that one!!)
- What drinks can I set out? Do I need to set up a cooler for extra drinks? Set out water pitchers full of mostly ice so that it will be cool water later, or set out room temperature mixers?
- Am I missing any food items (and need to send someone to the store)? This is usually the part where Mr. Jones runs to the gas station on the corner to get the bag of ice I definitely forgot to get.
Atmosphere
- Set lighting – do I need to turn on/off any lights to achieve the look? Unless it’s the middle of the day, you’re probably going to need to turn off the big light you used to cook and clean! This is your chance to set the mood for the party and you definitely don’t want to do this AFTER your people arrive.
- Turn on music. I should do a post on my favorite playlists for different types of events. Music is so important for the tone. When in doubt, I always go for “Coastal Grandmother” or oldies type of playlist for maximum variability.
- Light candles if using. This goes along with setting the lighting. Pro tip – Be careful about mixing the candle scent with whatever you’re cooking!
- Wipe counters/table. I am always shocked by how dirty the counters get right before people come over. One last wipe down before arrival ensures a clean kitchen.
- Check floors in kitchen for messes. Now that you’ve cleaned the counters, those crumbs are probably on the floor! This is not a full sweep and mop – just seek out the dirtiest spots on the floor where you can actually see messes. This Tineco Vacuum/Mop Combo is a GAME CHANGER for quick cleanups.
- Do I need to take out the trash? The answer is probably yes.
Bathroom Check
This one is pretty self-explanatory. You don’t need to plan to fully deep clean your bathroom within an hour of party time, but do check for the following:
- Fresh hand towel (and backup available). Or, try out those disposable paper towels. Just make sure you have a trash can big enough for them!!
- Check toilet paper stock. Try to have at least two extra rolls readily available to your guests.
- Check hand soap. You get it.
- Check toilet rim! I learned this one mid-party one time. I walked into the powder room where someone had left the rim up and I was shocked at the mess. Now I always check this before my guests arrive.
Yourself
- Get dressed. If you aren’t dressed and ready already, go do this now! You don’t want your guests to arrive and have to sit alone while you get ready.
- Need to brush your teeth? Usually not a bad idea.
- Are you still wearing your apron? (this one gets me every time)
- Keep your phone nearby for guest calls and texts! In case a friend needs directions, is running late, etc. It’s so easy to forget to check your phone while prepping for an event.
- Make yourself a drink! You've earned it! Also, guests will want to follow your lead as the host. So, if you are making a special cocktail or planned on drinking red wine with dinner, you can have a glass when they arrive, and they’ll feel inclined to join in. Much easier than asking them the open-ended “what do you want to drink?” and then expecting them to make a choice.
I hope this is helpful!
