9 Key Items Your Hosting Checklist Is Probably Missing

How Will You Serve the Food?

You’ve made some excellent dishes for your guests—but do you know how they’ll get it from the stovetop or grill to their plates? Have serving platters, large bowls, and serving utensils at the ready so you’re not scrambling to serve, leaving food to get cold or overcooked in the process.

How’s the Temperature?

Consider guests’ comfort before they’re shivering or sweating: If your home usually heats up when it’s filled with guests, you’ll likely want to begin cooling it before anyone arrives. If you’re hosting outdoors and a wind is predicted, can you add heaters or offer blankets?

While they may not notice a touch as small as a comfortable temperature right away, guests will certainly notice if they're uncomfortable.

Is There Enough Ice?

Though pretty much a party essential, ice can easily slip through the cracks (both literally and figuratively). If your ice maker isn't up to the demand of hosting, ask someone to grab a few bags on the way or order via a delivery app if you don't have time to go yourself.

Are Drinks Properly Chilled?

While on the subject of ice, make sure that cold drinks are just so. If you stocked up on beer or sodas, be sure you've taken them out of the garage and are chilling them ahead of time. Similarly, ensure wines are at the appropriate temperature. (No one wants a bottle of room-temperature Chardonnay.)

Do You Have Enough Time to Get Yourself Ready?

Plan for at least some guests to show up early. Have an outfit already picked out (and tried on) and get dressed before the suggested arrival time. An apron can help keep party outfits clean if you’re still cooking, and thoughtfully consider hair and makeup if applicable. For example, a pulled-back hairstyle can be both polished and utilitarian.

Are Pets Taken Care Of?

Hosting can interfere with regular routines, so plan ahead. Take dogs on an extra-long walk before guests arrive to relieve excess energy. You can also arrange for a professional dog walker to take the dog out while you’re hosting, if needed. Food and water bowls should be accessible to pets during the event, and cats should be able to access their litter box without having to cross through the hub of the party.

Is Your AV System Up and Running?

You may not have your own audiovisual team at your home or event, so it’s important to make sure wireless speakers are charged or the TV is working if you’re hosting a watch party. Test everything ahead of time, and have a charger on-hand or an extra login to a streaming account as backup.

Who’s Cleaning Up?

Do you want to load the dishwasher after guests finish eating or between courses? Will you want help putting away outdoor furniture? Putting thought into the clean-up process before the event begins can help with both the during and the after. (Think: No one is waiting for a dessert fork while you're still washing the ones from dinner; and you're not up until the wee hours of the morning scrubbing kitchen counters.)

When Will the Gathering End?

Many invitations don’t list a specific end time, which is fine—but as the host, you may want to have an idea of when you want to wind things down.

Set a timeline for yourself to offer a last call for drinks at midnight, or plan to begin the process of cleaning up at a certain time (to help stragglers get the hint). It’s great that people want to hang out, so perhaps suggest a catch-up soon before escorting your loved ones out.