6 Habits of an Entertaining Expert That'll Make You a Better Host

Make Guests Feel Comfortable

“The number one thing any great host does is make their guests feel comfortable,” says Le Manach. She recommends keeping an eye out for glasses that need to be refilled and making sure that hor d'oeuvres are circulated, especially to those who are settled into their seats and are deep in conversation. Small, thoughtful gestures, such as always having a friend’s favorite wine on hand, go a long way in making guests feel seen and welcomed. 

To avoid a bottleneck in the foyer, Le Manach recommends taking guests' coats as soon as they arrive. “Usher them in with a drink,” she says. “They'll immediately feel at ease.”

Set the Tone for Relaxation

After a long day of navigating work, traffic, and everyday stresses, your guests will be ready to unwind. “As soon as they walk through the door, you want them to feel transported,” says Le Manach. A few sensory cues, like flickering candles and soft music, create an atmosphere of relaxation and set the tone for guests to slow down and connect.

Make Introductions That Foster Conversations

When making introductions, Le Manach suggests going beyond the simple exchange of names. When possible, add one or two details that can help guests find a common ground that helps spark conversation. Maybe they have a shared interest, live in the same neighborhood, or work in a similar field. “This immediately gives them something to talk about and eases social anxiety,” she says. “It also takes the pressure off the host because now you have two guests chatting away on their own.”

Have All Your Essentials on Hand

Make sure to set the scene before guests arrive. For a dinner party, put out fresh linens, flatware, plates, and water carafes so guests can serve themselves throughout the evening. Create a softly lit ambiance with an assortment of taper candles or hurricane lanterns, and keep floral arrangements simple with clusters of small bud vases that don’t block conversation.  

For a successful event, it’s important to anticipate your guests’ needs, whatever age they may be. Le Manach recommends always having a stash of coloring books and crayons available for any children who may be in attendance.

Prep Everything in Advance

One of the most important keys to a successful, relaxed hosting experience? Prepping everything in advance. “The best menus are about light assembly, reheating, or popping dishes in the oven to warm up when guests arrive,” says Le Manach. “Avoid meals that require active cooking that keep you in the kitchen half the night, searing steaks or whipping up soufflés.”

Also, make sure to check with guests ahead of time for any dietary restrictions or substitutions needed for the menu.

Timing Is of the Essence

A well-paced schedule is essential for ensuring a happy crowd. If you’re hosting a dinner party, Le Manach says to keep the cocktail hour to around an hour or so. “If it goes too long, guests will start to get antsy and hungry,” she adds. To keep everyone comfortable, offer appetizers and small, savory dishes like warm nuts tossed with rosemary and sea salt. 

Once dinner begins, let conversation unfold naturally while keeping an eye on the pacing of the meal. Don’t let dirty plates sit too long—when the last guests have finished, clear the table and transition to the next course.