I’m a celeb party stylist – 6 mistakes you’re making as a Christmas host that your guests are too afraid to point out
FROM food preparation to table settings, there are a lot of things to plan when entertaining.
If you’re hosting guests this holiday season, there are some common mistakes to avoid.
Celebrity party stylist Amanda Orso, also known as the High Low Hostess, revealed the six errors that you may be making that nobody wants to point out.
The party pro, who has worked with everyone from P. Diddy to Caitlyn Jenner, shared her valuable insight.
For her first tip, Amanda recommended taking care of your pet’s needs before your guests arrive.
“Bath and walk your pet, no one wants to be near your stinky dog or witness an accident while trying to enjoy a Christmas Dinner,” she said.
She also advised hosts to “be thoughtful about the quantity, variety, and even the timing of food.”
Amanda discussed the importance of quantity when it comes to food and drink.
“I certainly never want a guest to leave hungry, so I am always mindful of my guests and the amount of food available,” she said.
“When in doubt, increase the amount of each item, you can either enjoy the leftovers yourself or even send them home with guests,” Amanda suggested.
In terms of variety, she recommended providing more than one type of protein as well as a vegetarian option.
“A nice touch is a printed menu, if you have a particularly picky guest, they will appreciate knowing what is being served and can plan their meal accordingly,” she said.
The expert advises hosts to have snacks available when guests arrive so they aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
“Additionally, if people linger at my home after dinner and dessert, I will bring out more small nibbles just to keep everyone satiated, especially if they’re still imbibing,” she added.
Another common mistake Amanda thinks people make is not accounting for comfort.
“Not having enough seats at the table can leave some people feeling left out,’ she explained.
She also highlighted the importance of considering the elements when hosting outdoors.
“An otherwise great party can be ruined if guests are too hot, too cold, or being attacked by bugs,” Amanda explained.
She recommended adapting your set-up to the climate, providing shade, cold beverages, and sunscreen in hot weather, and blankets and hot drinks in cooler conditions.
As well as considering seating, Amanda advised hosts to be mindful of spacing at the dinner table.
“Cozy is one thing, feeling claustrophobic is another, make sure you have enough space for each guest to feel comfortable,” she said.
“Additionally, consider your centerpieces and make sure they’re not too high or cumbersome to distract from discussions at the table,” Amanda continued.
She also recommended steering clear of heavy topics at the dinner table.
“If a particular guest has a particularly polarizing point of view, it can send a dinner party downhill quickly, make a pithy toast, and move the conversation along,” she suggested.
Amanda also pointed out an often-overlooked aspect of party preparation.
“Make sure you have enough toilet paper, not having enough toilet paper is a huge mistake,” she said.
For her next tip, she recommended managing expectations about the vent you’re hosting.
She advised hosts to communicate with guests about everything from the food being served to the activities planned.
Last but not least, Amanda emphasized the importance of practicing good hygiene standards during your party and throughout your home.
Everything from serving utensils to clean hand towels should be considered when striving for a germ-free get-together.