Please welcome my friend Kimba of A Soft Place to Land (I can really call her a friend now, since I hung out with her at Blissdom! She is as delightful in person as she is on her blog). Enjoy her tips for easy entertaining!
Do you love to entertain at home, or does hosting make you feel overwhelmed as you try to make everything perfect? Maybe you’re somewhere in between, like I am. I enjoy sharing my home with family and friends, but sometimes I resist because it feels like too much work or I don’t think I have the time.
There was a time when hosting felt stressful. I used to worry that every surface had to be spotless and often prepared elaborate, expensive dishes that added to the pressure. Over time I learned that entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. By simplifying a few things, you can enjoy company without losing sleep over the details.
I believe there is real value in building relationships by welcoming people into our homes. Here are some practical tips and ideas to make hosting easier and more enjoyable.
Relax
Your guests aren’t coming to inspect your house — they’re coming to see you. Focus on clearing the big messes and let small clutter slide. If needed, stash things temporarily in a closet or the dryer. Most guests won’t notice the toys on the floor or a craft project on the table; if they do, they’ll likely feel relieved about their own homes. Pick up the obvious clutter and move on.
Commit Yourself
Commit to a time and place that works for your family. Choose a date, put it on the calendar, and invite the neighbors or friends you’ve been meaning to connect with. Making a plan ahead of time helps ensure the gathering actually happens.
Be Spontaneous
Some of the best get-togethers happen with little notice. If you realize you have a free evening, call a few friends for a relaxed movie night with popcorn and ice cream. Ask everyone to bring kids in pajamas and toss pillows on the floor — it’s cozy and low-pressure.
Try Something Different
Here are a few ideas I love for entertaining without stress or a big budget.
Dessert only – Not every gathering needs a full meal. Invite a few neighbors for dessert and coffee or wine. Store-bought cheesecake or a simple ice cream bar with syrups and toppings is perfectly fine. Guests help themselves and you only have a few bowls and spoons to wash afterward.
Keep it simple – A favorite low-stress meal for me is a big salad, a few pizzas, and a fun dessert. For dessert, a chocolate fondue with fruit, cookies, and pretzels or an outdoor fire for s’mores is always a hit. The kids love it, and hosting feels effortless.
Let them help – Guests are often happy to contribute. Potlucks are a great way to share the workload: the host provides a main dish and guests bring sides. In summer, a hot dog bar works beautifully — provide good dogs and buns, and offer a spread of toppings like chili, cheese, and sauerkraut. It’s affordable and easy to pull together.
Inviting others into your home naturally encourages conversation and connection. Shared meals and simple gatherings help relationships grow.
What’s your favorite way to entertain?
All photos: Martha Stewart