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How to become the ultimate host
Christmas is getting closer, and with that comes many different festive events. We offer some simple tips on how you can excel as a host, along with items that might be ideal to have, just in case a function lays around the corner.
Photo: OSCAR GLAMSJÖ
Text: Camilla Åsedal
Offer an aperitif
One’s guests should be welcomed with an aperitif as soon as they arrive. If you are short of the time to mix a drink, then why not open a bottle of sparkling wine. Extra points if there are beverages chilled throughout the evening - a wine cooler from Skultuna is a stylish and elegant way to keep your drinks cool. Be sure to have an alcohol free alternative to hand, so that all feel included and welcome.Read more: David Kringlund: Three classic drinks and how you mix them
Music
Whether the medium be: Spotify, vinyl, CD player or a jukebox, there should always be music. Why not create a playlist based on you and your guests’ favourite music. The playlist should preferably be in three stages. A light-hearted mix to accompany the aperitif, getting the guests in a good mood. In addition, a dinner mix that keeps the mood up, without interfering the conversations. Allow the music to, little by little usher in a party mood. Finally yet importantly, if it is that type of event, a "party playlist" may be neccessary. If you do not have time to create your own playlist, one of these playlists may suit the party.Read more: Three Spotify-lists by Care of Carl
Tidy home
Expecting guests is the ultimate reason to tidy and clean. Some say that it is pointless to begin an entire cleaning process before a party, as it will need cleaning the day after. However, a messy home can dampen the mood of guests. You do not necessarily need to overdo the cleaning, but make sure it's neat and kept tidy.
Read more: Creating a harmonious home with Feng Shui
Scented candles
A sweet smelling home offers a sense of invitation. Placing a scented candle in the bathroom also gives a luxurious impression and indicates that you have thought about the smaller details. Certainly, around Christmas time, a candle that has a cinnamon or orange fragrance can provide an extra homely feeling.
Serve nibbles
Guests are always somewhat hungry. Select the types of snacks based on the type of event you are hosting. Snacks such as crisps are always a safe bet, and can be made luxurious just adding some cream cheese, caviar and red onion. If it is a New Year’s dinner, or if you simply want to offer luxurious canapés, we suggest offering these as an aperitif too. Table decorations help to add a natural talking point, and may function as a conversation starter for the guests.
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Light candles
Like flies, people are drawn to the light, some cosy candles and lights are therefore perfect. Place a candle on a table, people will choose the lit table over a dark table, thus, you can control where the guests are.
Organise a game or activity
We have almost all attended an event where there is a games leader who has so many activities that there is hardly any time for conversation and mingling. At the same time, you do not want an awkward event with hesitant conversations that lead nowhere. Try to offer one activity, this way all are included in breaking the ice. Before the New Year begins, you can create a music quiz, which is always engaging. A quiz, a card game or table football can liven up the mood and is a fun way to let unknown guests meet and break the ice.
Less time in the kitchen, more time for the guests
A common dilemma as a host is that you may spend more time in the kitchen than with your guests. If you are going to have a large party, it is helpful to get help in the kitchen with dishes, serving, etc. Perhaps a relative has no plans for the evening and needs buck or two. However, if you want to keep the kitchen to yourself, an apron is ideal to avoid spillage on your evening attire.
