5 Brilliant Hosting Tricks You Can Borrow From Restaurant Pros

Set the Atmosphere Before Guests Arrive

As soon as guests arrive, the experience begins. “In restaurants, the first few seconds matter,” restaurant professional Bruno Sanchez explains. “We set the tone before guests even walk in with warm lighting, the right music volume, the room at a perfect temperature, and a genuine greeting."

"At home, the same idea applies," he says. "Have the lights set, music playing, and the space feeling intentional before anyone arrives. Avoid harsh lighting or a silent room. Those small touches instantly make people feel comfortable.”

Consider layering the lighting in your home (think candles and table lamps) rather than turning on overhead lighting. Music is also a key function of a great atmosphere; make it loud enough for folks to hear, but not so loud that guests can’t hear each other.

Prepare in Advance as Much as Possible

As any restaurant pro will tell you, behind-the-scenes prep work is what makes a service successful. Executive chef Joe Anthony sums it up this way: “Heavy prep and easy execution.” If you do the lion’s share of what needs to be done pre-guest arrival, you’ll be much less stressed throughout the evening. 

Determine what you can prep in advance. Batching a signature cocktail for the evening, chilling the white wine, and picking dishes that you’re confident you can execute can all contribute to a stress-free event. 

Before guests arrive, Sanchez also recommends fully setting the table with the glassware, centerpiece, and plates you intend to use. "That way, you can enjoy the moment and let each course have its moment without rushing or dragging," he says.

Pace the Meal

Restaurants thrive on intuitive timing. “When it comes to pacing at the restaurant, the general idea is that we try to be consistent with timing between each course and create a flow,” Anthony explains. “This means that there can’t be too many time fluctuations from getting beverages to the first course, to the entree, and to dessert. If it’s coordinated with proper timing, the meal just tends to have more rhythm."

Chef and restaurant owner Kayla Pfeiffer says to let the meal unfold naturally. “The rhythm is set by the people you're with,” Pfeiffer explains. The key is often paying attention to guests’ body language, their eating pace, and where they are in conversation. A simple rule of thumb: When plates start to empty, it’s time to ease into the next course.

Anticipate Guests' Needs

Attentive hosting means noticing before guests feel the need to ask. “In restaurants, we look for small cues: an empty glass, someone glancing around, or a guest leaning back as if they need something,” Sanchez says. “At home, set the space so you can notice these details easily. Have water on the table, extra napkins nearby, a place for coats or bags, and check in with guests in a natural way.”

Make sure you have the basics covered, Pfeiffer emphasizes. These include easily accessible snacks and both non-alcoholic and boozy beverage options (if you're offering). "People will naturally congregate in the kitchen, so let it happen," she says. "Just make sure it's not a mess, and there are a few snacks out."

Add Thoughtful, Personal Touches

What truly distinguishes a great host from a mediocre one? Intention. “For me, this is a combination of making your guests feel comfortable while also displaying your personal touches,” Anthony says. “People can feel if you’re genuine or not. At [my restaurant] Arvine, we thoughtfully curated a playlist that we feel balances the two: It fits the space and allows our guests to feel comfortable, but it is also music we personally listen to, which fosters both authenticity and ambiance.”

Consider making a dish tied to a memory or adding personalized details to the table. Guests will take notice—and remember it. “For me, it’s always the small details that make the biggest impact,” Sanchez says.