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✨ Host Like (you're) a Guest: 5 Essentials for a Stress-Free Event
- Michelle Avalos
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Hosting should feel joyful, but if we’re being honest, it often feels like another full-time job. Between cleaning, cooking, shopping, decorating, and sending invites, many hosts are so tired by the time the party starts that they can’t even enjoy it.
I know this firsthand. When I planned my fiancé’s birthday back in June, I did everything! The invites, decorating, shopping, gift getting, cooking, and cleaning (over and over again). By the time guests arrived, I was completely exhausted. Instead of being present, I found myself wishing the night would hurry up so I could finally rest.
That’s when it hit me: hosts deserve to feel like guests at their own event.
That’s why I put together this quick guide. The same steps I use when designing events for my clients. It’s here to help you host with ease, so you can actually enjoy the moments you’ve been planning for. Here are my top 5 essentials to make it happen 👇
✅ 1. Plan Your Timeline Early
The earlier you start, the smoother everything will feel.
Invitations: send 6--8 weeks before
Catering: book 4–6 weeks before (always use the minimum guest count you'll be expecting. catering services usually don't mind increasing guest counts closer to the event, but won't typically go lower than your initial agreement)
Final headcount: confirm 1-2 week before
✨ Planning ahead saves money, prevents last-minute stress, and ensures you’re not scrambling when you should be celebrating.
✅ 2. Delegate the Food
Here’s the truth: hosting doesn’t mean you need to cook everything yourself. In fact, delegating the food is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself. It frees up your time so you can focus on decorating, connecting with your guests, and actually being present.
✨ A grazing table or brunch spread doubles as both décor and food, it’s practical, memorable, and beautiful.
✅ 3. Create a “No-Clean” Zone
Instead of scattering food and drinks throughout the house, set up one central station. A styled grazing table or buffet makes everything accessible and cuts down on dishes.
✨ This means no running back and forth to the kitchen and no mountain of cleanup at the end of the night.
✅ 4. Add One Wow Factor
You don’t need to go over the top in every area. Just pick one element that guests will remember. Whether that’s a charcuterie centerpiece, a themed coffin board (for Halloween 🎃), or a signature cocktail.
✨ That one “wow” detail makes the whole event feel elevated without exhausting you.
✅ 5. Take a Host Moment
Before guests arrive, take 30 minutes just for you:
Get dressed
Light a candle
Pour yourself a glass of something you love
✨ Hosting isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Give yourself permission to enjoy it! Get Excited!
💡 Bonus: Grab the Printable Checklist
If you want to keep these steps handy while you plan, I created a free Host Like a Guest Checklist that you can print or save on your phone. It’s the same tool I share with my clients to simplify hosting.
Ready to Skip the Stress Completely?
Hosting can be effortless when you have the right support. My team designs stunning charcuterie, brunch, and grazing spreads that take the work off your plate (literally 😉).
📍 We serve Southern California for:💍 Bridal showers🎉 Birthdays & anniversaries💼 Corporate gatherings🌿 Celebrations of life
✨ Let’s make your next event unforgettable.
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