With Heritage Day and summer just around the corner, catch up on some tips for entertaining at home.

1. Welcome 

Lay out some light snacks and drinks for your guests to enjoy as they arrive. This will make a lovely welcome treat and conversation-starter. Also ensure that you have napkins by the food as well as a bin so that your guests can make cleaning up easier (for you).

2. Kitchen Etiquette

Be prepared in the kitchen by making sure there is enough space in the fridge and freezer for guests to put any food or beverage they may bring with them. Also try to lay out a space with your cooked food, while leaving some room for guests to place theirs as well.

3. Bathroom Break

Sweep through your bathroom and fill-up on all the essentials, such as toilet paper and soap, so that your bathroom is fully functional. Add a scented candle or incense to make the space comfortable. If you have a guest bathroom, ensure that your guests know they are to use that one.

4. Set the Mood

Create a playlist beforehand that caters to the kind of atmosphere you want to create for your gathering. If you’re going for a lively space, choose upbeat favourites that are on-trend, or if the setting is more relaxed, choose some light background music.

5. Clean Up 

Make sure your house is clean and decluttered before your guests arrive so that there is plenty of room for them to sit down or move around. This doesn’t have to involve major spring cleaning, but you shouldn’t throw everything into that one cupboard either.

6. Happy Home 

Try to avoid pointing out any faults in your home or making up excuses as to why there are faults, as this will only put off your guests. Besides, you are opening your house to entertain others and should feel proud of the home you have created.

7. Set Up

Have everything laid out before your guests arrive so that you don’t have to run back into the kitchen to keep fetching plates, cutlery or glasses unless absolutely necessary.

8. Have Fun

You may be so busy running around cleaning up, serving drinks or making sure that everyone is having a great time that you forget to do so yourself. Entertaining is meant to be a fun get-together with people whose company you enjoy, so let loose a little!

9. DND

If you want to prevent guests from wandering around your home and into unwanted areas, make sure you keep things locked and packed away. You won’t be able to control the movements of everyone, but you can at least ensure that certain areas are blocked off.

10. Down to Dine

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just a casual bring-and-braai, be sure to have all your food prepped and ready beforehand. It is standard etiquette for guests to bring side dishes or drinks, but rather over-cater than under-cater, and allow your guests to take some leftovers home if they want to.

Words: Taryn Wilson | Photography: Unsplash