How To Perfect The Saturday Arvo Hang, According To A Hosting Expert
Having people over and sharing your food and bevvies with them is one of the best ways to bond. You could even argue that as we become more divided on social media, casual weekend get-togethers are crucial for our well-being. But it can also be a stressful undertaking.
As a self-proclaimed hosting expert (you can see my credentials if you doubt me), I know a thing or two about perfecting group hangs. Lucky for you, it can be broken down into some basic good shouts that, once nailed, will become second nature.
A theme is your best friend
Before you even look at a cookbook, you need to decide what your event will be like. For some, a simple, clean home may suffice. For others, picking a theme can not only wow guests, but also drastically reduce stress, as it makes decision-making so much more fun. Think a southern Italian-themed day with decor to match. The menu would be pasta paired with wine and tiramisu to finish off. Or, for something more whimsical, you could make it nautical-themed by decorating your table with brown netting and serving fish with a citrus pre-mixed drink. Or if you're watching a game, make it sport-themed with team colours... I'm a hosting expert, not a sports expert, so you'll need to do a little more research here.
Whether it's matching the theme to the day you're celebrating, basing your food and decorations around a cuisine, or even picking something silly to bring some fun back into people's weekends, a Pinterest board can be the key to dreaming up an unreal event.
Nailing the drinks
This is mission-critical. The drinks you offer can create a generous atmosphere, no matter the ritual. If you’re keen on a bevvie while watching a bitta sport, you may go with a mid-strength like XXXX Gold or something lighter like Carlton Dry. If you’re hosting a meal, though, why not pair it with the drink, like pasta with a bottle of Shiraz. Whatever the occasion, you can get the right drink at Cellarbrations.
Plan ahead so you can actually relax
Weirdly, the worst part of hosting is that you're never actually hosting. Often, you're stuck in the kitchen plating or preparing while your guests get to have fun without you. Take some time a couple of days before to plan a menu and pick stuff that you can prep earlier. Items that go into ovens are great. Desserts that set in fridges overnight are genius. Drinks that can chill while you clean are low-lift crowd pleasers. That way you'll actually get to chat with your friends and enjoy yourself, as you should.
Stockpile a sneaky extra supply
If your friends are anything like mine, it's not uncommon for a couple extra guests to make their way through the door. Be it a partner, family member, or someone you've literally never heard of, suddenly you're catering for 20 instead of ten. Being generous when purchasing and having a couple extra bottles on ice, as well as some filling food items like a yummy bread-and-dip combo, can ensure no one leaves unsatisfied or is forced to do a mad grocery dash.
Never feel shame over asking people for compliments
Part of the joy of hosting is getting praise afterwards. In fact, if you're me, it's the whole reason you do it. If you want a little extra support after the event to confirm that people enjoyed themselves and to ward off any pesky post-host anxiety, this is a tried-and-true method. A simple "thanks for coming" or "it was lovely having you" text will have a sea of compliments come trickling in. Plus, it's a great opening to ask for any photos where you or your spread look cute. You can thank me later.
And the most important thing to remember is to actually enjoy yourself. To take some of the stress out, be sure to head to Cellarbrations for all your beverage needs. Happy hosting.
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