the hostess hotline: the everyday get-together
because the "everyday get-together" deserves a comeback
Sometimes we look at hosting like it has to be a whole thing, and that “there is no such thing as a simple get-together anymore.” With all of the carefully curated dinners you probably see on your feed (my own content included, sorry!), it is no wonder we have set these high expectations for hanging out with people. It has probably stopped a lot of us from getting together with our friends, even for something small and easy, simply because we feel like we cannot host “as well as them.”
But it does not have to be a big thing, a big event, or a full meal. Let’s not lose the art of the simple, everyday get-together. Let’s just get together, but with a little intention behind it.
Below are six ideas on how we can host more, worry less, and enjoy more lovely times with our friends.
keep it small
I have been guilty of this before: if I invite one friend over, suddenly I feel like I have to invite everyone. But that is not the case. Yes, let us not be exclusive or intentionally leave anyone out, but we are still humans who enjoy the presence of a good one-on-one moment with the people closest to us. Or even a tiny group that has not had the chance to spend extra time together.
So if you are craving a little friend moment after work, in the middle of the week, or on a weekend, do not feel bad about asking for one-on-one time. Invite that lovely person over for a drink, some laughter, and a bit of reminiscing. And if it so happens that you plan to bring more than one friend together for a “casual night in,” well, the more the merrier!
a 10-minute snack
There are so many ways to elevate a tiny get-together with a simple bite or two that takes hardly any time and still feels intentional. Here are a few quick snacks you can pull together in under ten minutes:
citrus-marinated olives: buy jarred green olives, add diced orange peel for aroma, and mix in garlic cloves, marinated peppers, or rosemary.
spruced-up mixed nuts: take any plain nut mix (I prefer raw almonds), add to a cute bowl, drizzle with olive oil, flaky salt, and a little rosemary.
fruit and cheese plate: sometimes nothing sounds better than fresh fruit and your favorite cheese. There is a reason this is considered a dessert in France.
burrata flatbread: if you have a frozen pizza or flatbread on hand, bake it and add burrata on top. Not a 10-minute snack but a cozy option worth the extra few minutes.
one simple drink
Whether it is wine, tea, or something else, it does not need to be complicated. Switch up the glasses to make things feel a little special, like using the teacups you hardly touch, or add a tiny garnish, such as a citrus slice. Keep it simple and fresh.
set up an intentional conversation place
You are going to need a spot to put your drinks and snacks, so why not make it a little more curated without trying too hard? Grab a candle from somewhere in your apartment, some flowers, that tablecloth sitting in your closet, or those fabric napkins you only use on “special occasions.” Truly, what is more special than spending time with someone you love? Use the little things you already own to make the moment feel warm and intentional.
have conversation topics ready to pull out
To avoid the moment where everyone gets quiet and reaches for their phone, come prepared with a few conversation starters. This is especially helpful with friends you already know everything about. You can look up conversation cards online, like the We’re Not Really Strangers free packs, or check out last week’s Hostess Hotline blog post for ideas.
do not overthink it
Remember: this is not supposed to be a big ordeal. It is simply a one-on-one or a small get-together with a touch more intention behind it. Just like the little things in life we tend to overlook, we also get a bit too comfortable with our friends and stop putting in small gestures of care.
These tiny touches show your friends that you care about creating a lovely moment together. It does not have to be perfect. It just has to be thoughtful.
Enjoy the time you have with your friends and loved ones, and remember that a little love and care go a long way. Let us get together more often and add a bit more intention to these everyday moments. Take it in and enjoy.
Until next time, my darlings…
xoxo,
Avalon