9 Things Smart Hosts Always Do the Morning Of an Event

Preparation is, of course, the key to successful hosting. With some smart scheduling, a truly memorable event can come together without a hitch—or too much stress. When the day finally comes, use the morning wisely to avoid the pre-party rush.

Here’s what expert hosts always do the morning of an event. 

Consider the Night Before

If you're more of a night owl than an early bird, take a step back and consider what can be done in advance. "It’s crucial to prep for the event starting the night before," says food creator and New York Times bestselling author Suzy Karadsheh. "That way, you can spend the morning of putting things together, not starting from square one."

She suggests tasks like chopping vegetables or preparing dips, as well as setting the table and cleaning the bathrooms. "When it comes to prepping food, I'll shape falafel dough and let it chill overnight, so then it’s just a quick fry in the morning, and we're ready to go. I also often make egg muffins and will freeze them for Christmas morning so I can easily reheat them when the time comes," she says.

Have a Hosting Road Map 

“Where possible, map out your menu ahead of time and organize place settings in advance of when dinner is being served,” says Dan Pelosi, author of Let’s Party: Recipes and Menus for Celebrating Every Day. “A tiny bit of planning means the day-of feels easy, cozy, and totally enjoyable for you and your guests.”

Get Some Fresh Air

Hosting can be stressful and—unless it's something like a summer alfresco dinner—will likely keep you indoors. Make sure to get a bit of fresh air before things get hectic. Go for a morning walk or jog, or turn your last-minute errands run into a more mindful stroll through town.

Plan Your Outfit

Hosting can get messy, even in a kitchen apron. Choose your hosting outfit and any necessary accessories the morning of, and have them ready to change into just before the first guest arrives. This way, you can protect your event outfit and not be scrambling for clothes when the doorbell rings.

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Pass Through the Event Space like a Visitor

As you enter your hosting space, try looking at it with fresh eyes (or, better yet, bring in another set of eyes for assistance).

Is it clear where you want guests to leave their shoes? Are there designated coat and bag areas? Is the bathroom easy to find, or will guests have to wander hallways and open private doors? Is there enough hand soap and toilet paper?

A quick five-minute check of the space from a guest's perspective can save a lot of scrambling later.  

Confirm Attendance and Share Any Arrival Instructions

While events with a formal RSVP don’t require follow-ups, anxious hosts can text guests the morning of the event to share that they're excited to see them.

Be sure to share instructions that help guests arrive easily, such as picking up a parking pass, avoiding a closed road, or checking in with a doorman or desk attendant. Ensuring a smooth arrival will help kick off the event on a good note. 

Hydrate

Making sure you're sufficiently hydrated is prudent for all the chatting and hosting you’re about to do. Especially if you’re planning on consuming alcohol, make sure you’ve sipped water consistently throughout the day. This is also a great time to ensure water is easily accessible to guests, whether in bottles in a cooler or pitchers on the table.  

Entertain Pets

Exhausting pets of their energy may be a good idea before their space is filled with new scents and faces. Take Fido on a long walk, have a play sesh, and be ready with enrichment toys to keep your pets' attention focused and, hopefully, a little worn out by the time the event starts. 

Make a Cleanup Plan

Sure, you’ve wiped counters, vacuumed, and taken out the trash before guests arrived—but what about when they leave? Plan when and how you want to address the mess to reduce stress for the future you. This can look like hiring a service to clean up after the event, or splitting household responsibilities for an efficient after-party cleaning sesh.