Easy Hosting Hacks: 7 Must-Haves for Last-Minute Hosting

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Ever had that moment when a friend or family member calls to say they’re stopping by, and you glance around in mild panic because your home is not guest-ready?

We’ve all been there! But hosting doesn’t have to be stressful. With these easy hosting hacks, you’ll be ready to welcome guests—whether you have hours to prepare or just a few minutes. Let’s get your hosting toolkit stocked with these 7 must-haves that make last-minute entertaining a breeze!

Simplify your hosting game with a well-stocked toolkit at your fingertips.

The key is to always be prepared with a handful of essentials. Whether it’s your mom dropping by unexpectedly, your son’s basketball team and their parents arriving post-game, or your best friend showing up to deliver the fundraiser pizzas you ordered—and then staying for a spontaneous catch-up session.

Regardless of the occasion, having the right tools at your fingertips can transform any impromptu gathering into a memorable event.

7 Must-have Hosting Items to Elevate Your Hosting Game!

1. Signature Scent to Freshen Your Home

Create a welcoming atmosphere with your favorite scents. Opt for a soy candle, essential oils in a diffuser, or a gentle scented mist of your signature scent.

Avoid aerosol air fresheners with overpowering artificial smells, and instead, choose subtly freshening options. Place them strategically in your entryway for a hotel-like welcome, in the bathroom for a refreshing experience, and in the kitchen to combat any lingering food smells.

Some of my favorites include Life in Lilac candles and diffusers. And this dreamy room spray! It’s my go-to for instantly transforming any room into a soothing, seaside escape. 

2. One or two clean, quality bathroom hand towels at the ready

Nobody’s impressed with a stained, soggy, or ratty hand towel. Before guests pop in, ensure you swap out for a fresh towel.

Psst: It’s also a good idea to remember to replace the well-used towel after you’ve had a party’s worth of hands using it.

Check out Geometry for some fabulous tea towel and bathroom hand towel options. Fantastic quality, quick drying and endless designs to match any decor.

3. A versatile collection of drinkware

An all-purpose collection of glassware is a must-have for any impromptu gathering. From serving milk and cookies to whipping up refreshing margaritas, having the right glassware on hand ensures you’re prepared for any beverage occasion.

With the right glass, even a simple glass of water can be transformed into a delightful treat, adding an extra touch of elegance to your entertaining experience.

These wine glasses and these beaded highball tumblers are so dang fun! (They make fabulous gifts, too.😉)

Having the right drinkware on hand makes serving up refreshments effortless, whether it’s a simple glass of wine or a festive cocktail. Want to take it up a notch? Set up a self-serve drink station so guests can help themselves—no need to play bartender all night! Check out my cocktail station setup for an easy way to impress your guests without the extra effort.

Need some inspiration to build your glassware collection? My Sip in Style: Colored Glassware to Vintage Glassware to DIY Sets post has plenty of ideas to help you elevate your drink presentation and make every pour feel special.

4. An array of serving pieces

Transform your table with a stunning array of serving pieces. Elevate your dishes with an all-purpose platter or two and a small assortment of serving bowls.

Whether you’re presenting a basic bag of chips or a package of Oreos, the right serving ware can instantly elevate your spread, turning even the simplest snacks into a special treat.

A well-stocked stash of serving trays, platters, and bowls makes last-minute hosting feel effortless. Arrange them on a beautifully styled surface, like your coffee table, to create a put-together look. Need some inspiration? My coffee table styling guide has simple ideas to make your setup look effortless but elevated.

As I always say, presentation counts! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or bringing a dish to pass, serving in stylish pieces can make all the difference.

Remember, the eye buys. Serve a bag of chips in its packaging, and it might not garner much excitement. But place those same chips in a fun patterned bowl, and they’ll disappear in no time. The same goes for baked goods. Instead of leaving bars in the pan, cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a cute plate. Voila! They’ll vanish before you know it.

Why? Opting for smaller sizes encourages guests to try a variety of offerings, reducing mess and making it easy for them to sample different treats. Plus, it fosters a try-it-out mentality, inviting everyone to indulge in a bit of everything without feeling overwhelmed.

Craft a versatile platter collection with various sizes and types. Include platters sized 12-14 inches for ample spreads and 8-10 inches for smaller portions. This selection ensures you’re ready for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.

For bowls, opt for a larger size to hold chips and a few smaller sizes for dips, nuts, snack mix, candy, etc.

Stick with a theme, like classic white or a favorite color, to keep your collection simple, cohesive, and elegant, or have fun mixing and matching to suit your personal style. (Here’s a fun set of 3 to consider.)

If you’ve been following along, you know I have a weakness for aqua, so you guessed it, my own collection of serving ware most certainly reflects that! I love adding new pieces, especially ones picked up during vacations, to add a unique touch to my spread.

5. Small Stash of Ready-to-Serve Snacks

Be ready to impress your guests with a curated selection of finger foods. It’ll ease your mind knowing you have a few goodies on hand. But if your household is anything like mine, keeping them safe from hungry raiders (teenage boys, anyone?) can be a challenge. Designate a special cabinet or bin in your pantry solely for “special occasion only” treats.

Think trail mix, snack mix, or easy-to-make dip mixes that require just a couple of ingredients from the fridge. Pretzels and a jar of honey mustard dip are a great option.

Or be ready to whip up a simple, yet deliciously impressive charcuterie display by keeping a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments like crackers, nuts, olives, pickles, and/or dried fruit for effortless appetizers.

Have a few dessert options on hand that require minimal prep, like cookies, brownie mix, or pre-scooped ice cream.

Box Brownie Mix Hack: sprinkle just-out-of-the-oven brownies with chocolate chips (or mint baking chips.) Place a baking sheet over the top of the brownie pan for a few minutes, until the chips are melted. Then spread to evenly cover the brownies. Sprinkle with mini M&Ms, nuts, or crushed candy bars (Butterfinger, Heath, Reeses are yummy options.) Voila!

6. Welcome mat

Don’t overlook your home’s first impression, especially if like our household, your family typically uses the garage entrance vs the front door that guests use. In this case, its easy to neglect simple upkeep of your front door area. Keeping your entryway fresh and inviting is a must, but let’s take it up a notch.

Consider swapping out your welcome mat seasonally to keep it fresh and inviting year-round. And even go a step further by layering it over a larger rug.  This not only adds a pop of personality but also helps keep those shoes cleaner before they step inside. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your entryway game and ensure your home is always ready to welcome guests with open arms!

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check that your porch light works (those bulbs have a knack for burning out at the worst times!) and give your door, doorbell, and door handle a quick clean to rid them of spider webs, rainwater marks, and any other unwanted surprises (hello, muddy paw prints!)

7. 10-minute spruce-up plan

We all know that feeling of panic when unexpected guests are about to drop by, and the house is far from being guest-ready. (When you look a around and actually laugh out loud at the current state of affairs!) Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with this quick-clean routine that will have your home looking presentable in no time.

Start by focusing on the areas guests will see first—tidy common spaces, fluff the couch pillows, and clear off cluttered surfaces. A quick refresh of your shelves can make a surprising difference. Swap out anything that looks messy, straighten up decorative pieces, and add a simple, eye-catching touch. Need some inspiration? My shelf styling tips are full of easy ways to make your space feel polished in minutes.

Bathroom

Start by giving the bathroom a quick once-over. Here’s where a little polishing magic can go a long way! Take a moment to polish the mirror, sink, and countertop to remove any smudges or water spots (microfiber cleaning clothes are perfect for this!) This simple step instantly gives the impression that your bathroom is spotlessly squeaky clean.

Next, check the toilet paper stash and replenish if necessary. Place a fresh, clean towel on the rack (as noted in #1). Don’t forget to flush the toilet and give it a quick spritz with some refreshing toilet spray.

Kitchen

Move on to the kitchen and tackle those cluttered countertops. Grab a basket or tray to corral the mail, catalogs, permission forms, and other miscellaneous paperwork that tends to accumulate. Wipe down or polish the counters for a gleaming finish (a trick that instantly makes your home appear cleaner!) Load any dirty dishes into the dishwasher and put away any clean dishes from the sink or drying rack.

Entry

Clear away any shoes, coats, or bags that are cluttering up the entryway. This simple step will instantly make the space feel more welcoming. Don’t forget to turn on the porch light (which you know works after reading #6 above) to warmly welcome your guests.

Ambiance

Take a moment to add a welcoming touch to your home by lighting a candle or spritzing your favorite scent (as suggested in #1 above). This will instantly freshen up the space and create a cozy atmosphere for your guests. Simply mist a spritz or two of room spray inside the front door to instantly uplift and delight any guest.

Drop Zone

Finally, designate a pre-determined “drop zone” where you can quickly deposit any random items that are cluttering up your house. Ideally, this should be a closet or room where you can simply close the door before your guests arrive, keeping the mess out of sight and out of mind.

With this “clean quick” 10-minute spruce-up plan, you’ll be able to greet your guests with confidence, knowing that your home looks clean, organized, and welcoming, no matter how little notice you had!

Extra Seating That’s Easy to Grab

Nothing makes guests feel more welcome than having a comfortable place to sit. Instead of scrambling to pull together mismatched chairs at the last second, keep a few stylish folding stools or floor cushions on hand. Looking for an easy DIY solution? My quick fix for extra seating is a simple, budget-friendly way to be ready for unexpected guests without sacrificing style.

Streamline Your Prep for Easy Hosting

With this handful of simple yet effective tips, you can streamline your hosting preparations and ensure your home is always guest-ready, even at a moment’s notice.

From stocking essential items to mastering a quick clean routine and incorporating clever hosting hacks, entertaining effortlessly becomes second nature.

Looking for a delicious dessert to impress your guests? Check out our Perfect Bars Recipe for a quick and easy treat! (Best part — you likely already have the 4 ingredients on hand!)

Ready to dive deeper into the world of hosting and home decor? Stay tuned for more insightful content on flairfullyyours.com, where we share practical advice and creative ideas to help you elevate your hosting game and create memorable experiences for your guests. Happy hosting!

Be sure to get my free guide: 10 Quick Tricks to Instantly Elevate Your Home