Hosting Tips and Tricks

Hosting Tips & Tricks

Junior League of Washington (JLW) members are beginning to host others at their residences after a two-plus year hiatus. As you plan your next casual cookout or swanky soirée, consider the following tips and tricks from JLW’s fabulous hostesses!

“If serving wine, include several bottles of 2-3 varietals, not several different bottles, each different. That way, you’re less likely to run out of a specific type.” — Agatha Tomasik “I always pick a drink that I can batch easily, whether it’s a punch or a pitcher of margaritas. When I’m busy cooking or hosting, it’s better to have a crowd-friendly drink instead of worrying about making individual cocktails!” — Gabrielle Kaufman

Amy Royle-Reznikov recommends Ina Garten’s recipes for batch cocktails.

Elizabeth “Sparling” Wilson’s Spread

“Have a theme and make it fun. Carry out the theme from the invitations to the decorations, food, and drinks. I love my Austin Texas Junior League cookbook.” — Sheri O’Connell

Bethany Coulter’s Tablescape

“Find ways to personalize! Last Thanksgiving, I included a tiny white pumpkin at each setting and wrote a guest name on each with paint pens. My nephew loved his so much that he saved it and hung it as an ornament on the Christmas tree.” For Mother’s Day, I filled the table with vases of flowers. Each vase had a heart on it and was filled with symbolic flowers. For example, my sister-in-law’s mom was named Gladys, so her vase held gladiolas.” — Bethany Coulter

Mary Beth Torpey’s Table

“Having appetizers or grazing snacks ready to go when your guests arrive will ensure no one gets hangry!” — Alex Palmer-Sullivan

“Have a theme – whether simple or complex. Then tailor the little details like creatively displayed name cards at the table or a fun centerpiece display to that theme! Also, it is a good idea to make a list of all of the items to be served from snacks and appetizers through to dessert to ensure that you don’t forget to put something out in all the chaotic fun that is a dinner party!” — Stephanie Driscoll

Elizabeth Conley’s Al Fresco Dining Experience

“Invest in some good linens. A spectacular table setting starts with the cloth you lay on your table. Next add layers with candles, flowers, plants, fruit, etc.” — Elizabeth Conley

Lindsay Jenkins’ Festive Feast

“Watch the width and height of your floral arrangements. You do not want them too close to anything on a serving table, nor too tall so that guests cannot see across the table.” — Lindsay Jenkins