Come with me for a moment: I want you to think back to the last time you went to a friend’s house/home/apartment/space. Bring the sights, sounds, feelings, laughter, and flavors to mind. I’m guessing (well, hoping, really) that warm, positive memories are flooding your mind. That the thought of these moments brings a smile to your face.

For me, I think back to a recent Friday night, sitting on my friend Taylor’s couch for hours and hours. We talked and talked, laughed and laughed. We held takeout from Flower Child, curled up in our cozy clothes, catching up until we had covered it all before relaxing into an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The occasion was nothing frivolous or fancy, but it was a heartwarming, cup-filling, want-to-hold-onto-this-forever kind of night. Her home was the perfect backdrop for our connection, and the fact she welcomed me in was so sweet.

I know inviting people into our homes can be intimidating, especially when cooking a meal, setting a table, or hosting more people enters the equation. Opening our space (as spacious as a one-bedroom apartment can be) is one of my favorite things to do in the world. It fills my cup in a way nothing else can. It’s good for my well-being. For my creativity, for my soul. 

I love pretty dishes, platters, glasses, napkins, appetizers, a lowkey playlist, a great party theme, and/or a casual couch hangout—I love it all. And I love sharing it with my people. But I have some principles that keep me grounded, less stressed, and remind me what it’s truly all about. Inviting others in doesn’t have to be a big ordeal—but, in the same breath, it can still be intentional and beautiful. Here’s how.

001. Prep as much as you can in advance. 
Can you make the dessert a day or two ahead of time? Can you set the table, arrange the flowers, clean, etc. the day before so you’re not scrambling 20 minutes before people show up? Prepping allows you to be present. 

002. Get yourself ready first. 
When it comes to the day of your event/gathering, prioritize your shower, hair, makeup, or outfit change earlier than you might think. As my mom always says, you can finish chopping veggies or making a charcuterie board while guests are there, but you probably won’t want to stay holed up in your closet once the doorbell starts ringing. 

003. Don’t wait until you have a bigger, prettier, X, Y, Z-er space.
If we waited until we had our dream home to have people over, we’d never have people over. To me, opening up my home and inviting others in has always been a priority. I’ve wanted to show God that I will use what He’s already given me to bless others; I don’t need “perfect” circumstances. 

004. Remember: hosting isn’t about us. 
I’ve also heard it said that hosting and hospitality are two very different things. I believe welcoming people into our home isn’t about showing off how great we are or putting ourselves on a pedestal—it’s about making people feel loved, seen, known, safe, and cherished. It’s about cultivating a space that allows for authentic connection and relationships. If at any point in the process you get overwhelmed, remember that it’s not about you (in the best way!) and God will use your willingness to open your home in ways you probably never imagined. 

005. Clean up as much as you can after the party. 
Just trust me. Your future self will thank you. If you don’t have the capacity to tackle it all, at least gather the trash or start the dishwasher. Do one thing to get the ball rolling for tomorrow. Again, your future self will be relieved. 

006. Never turn down help or an offer from one of your guests. 
One of the sweetest texts to receive is, “What can I bring?!” Or “I have a sweet treat I’ve been wanting to make for y’all!” Let them. An evening is so much more fun when other people’s fingerprints, generosity, and creativity are a part of it, too. Plus, it will take some of the load off of you. Don’t let your pride turn down offers to help—again, it’s not about how great we are. It’s about loving others. 

Which tip inspired you the most? What are your go-to hosting hacks?! I can’t wait to learn!