Entertaining At Home

While not every one of these think-ahead items applies to every home or every overnight guest scenario, these are some of the kinds of things a great host thinks about long before the doorbell rings.

If you, like me, love hanging out with people but are hopelessly lazy about planning get-togethers at your home (beyond sending out the invitation and having maybe some food and drinks), fear not!

I decided to try our “easy untertaining” concept by texting people the day before (GASP) to come over and hangout on a Sunday afternoon.

Your get-togethers don't have to be capital-p Parties. Sometimes it's enough to start with one silly/fun/creative idea.

Ahead of the bustling holiday season and the self-reflective start of another year, we wanted to give you some truths and tools to help you host at home and see your friends more.

Not ready to open up your doors? Here are a few simple suggestions for prepping your home for a gathering, without stressing too much about the nooks and crannies.

First: You definitely don’t need tons of cash to have fun. Second: You’re not alone in feeling discouraged about your money situation.

The people you’re hosting aren’t coming over to be wowed by extra counter space or a second bathroom; they’re coming over to spend time with you.

The key to incorporating more hang-outs in a busy schedule? Being a one-trick pony with a go-to “gathering” routine in place.

Fool your friends into thinking you spent a billion dollars with these ritzy-looking buys from Dollar Tree, Target, Trader Joe's, and Flying Tiger.

Our household could euphemistically be called "lively" or bluntly described as "loud loud loud."

We're going to tend the garden of our life's happiness.

The only thing better than a good wine glass is one that doubles as a meditation tool.

I’ve spent many years of my life living in and loving the city of Chicago, where interior spaces are relatively small and people can’t wait for the warmer months (40 below, no thank you). As soon as summer hits, folks flood the parks, beaches, and rooftops to host picnic after picnic. Picnic baskets aren’t hard to assemble—in fact, they’re pretty straightforward despite their loosey-goosey nature. You just have to think about what you may need in a pinch.

Even though our family of seven rarely eats out without a Kids Eat Free promo, eating meals out at restaurants is expensive.

I don't ask guests to remove their shoes. But!—yes, here's the big but—there are some golden rules.

Professional Instagrammer Patrick Janelle's living room is full of smart small space furnishing ideas and inspiration.

Those of us who survive and thrive in this world of letting strangers tell the internet how tidy we are have learned some mad skills when it comes to cleaning and laundry.

Because a happy guest means a happier home.

For all the talk around wood versus plastic, there’s very little talk about the SIZE of cutting boards. And this is one case where size really does matter. One of the biggest mistakes we see time and time again? People opting for cutting boards that are too small. A too-small cutting board is not only awkward to use, but it can also be unsafe! We’ve all done it before: You’ve pulled out a little guy, thinking you just have to mince some garlic.

Life is stressful enough as it is—so make this the weekend you stop putting unnecessary pressure on yourself when it comes to hosting. Does your house need to be impeccably clean with a three-course dinner planned and a carefully crafted evite in order to have a good time? No. Is it easy to get swept up in appearances and pretend it does? Absolutely.

We polled some of our favorite cleaning, organizing, and design experts on what messy spots they might pick up on in others' homes.

Here’s some fun trivia for you: January 4 is National Trivia Day. And what better way is there to celebrate than to partake in a fun little pop quiz of your own? From classics like Trivial Pursuit to newer games like Wits & Wagers, here are 10 of our favorite trivia board games—for National Trivia Day, game night, or just a random night at home. This iconic board game is beloved by trivia purists and game-night lovers alike.

From sending invitations, to catering, to prepping and cleaning the house, a party host has a lot to think about. One thing they shouldn’t have to stress over? Whether their guests are going to have a good time. With ample food and drink, a party is always a good time. But when partygoers aren’t well-acquainted or Uncle Joe has a tendency to ruffle feathers by talking politics, it’s smart to have a few tricks in your back pocket.