My number one rule for keeping guests happy? Feed them. Then feed them some more.
YES š Fed Is Best should be fun and a little cheeky, but underneath it is your actual hosting philosophy: people are happiest when theyāre comfortable, fed, and taken care of.
Fed Is Best
Want to know my number one rule for keeping guests happy?
Food. Food. And did I mention food?
I love a beautiful table, a good cocktail, fresh flowers, and all the little details that make having people over feel special. But if thereās one thing I will never do, itās let you leave my house hungry.
For me, food is at the center of hosting. Itās how I take care of people, how I bring everyone together, and usually where the best part of the night happens.
Start With Something to Eat
Nobody should have to wonder when dinner is coming.
I always like having something out when people arriveāeven if itās simple. A board to pick at, a dip, something warm from the oven. It gives everyone something to gather around while drinks are poured and dinner is finishing up.
And more importantly, it means no hungry guests hovering around my kitchen. š
Make Food You Actually Want to Eat
When Iām hosting, Iām not interested in making something complicated just because it sounds impressive. Iād rather serve really good food that I know everyone is going to enjoy.
A beautiful pasta, something coming off the grill, a big salad, warm bread on the tableāfood that feels special but still makes you want to go back for seconds.
Because thatās the goal.
More Is More
This may not apply to every area of my life, but when it comes to feeding people? More is more.
I would rather have enough food for twelve when I invited eight than spend the night wondering if everyone got enough. There should be plenty to pass around the table, plenty for seconds, and ideally a few leftovers waiting in the fridge the next morning.
Donāt Forget the Drinks⦠or Dessert
Keep the glasses full. Have water ready. Make a cocktail if the occasion calls for it. And please, always have dessert.
It doesnāt have to be elaborate. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones everyone loves most. The point is that no one should be looking around wondering if the night is over yet.
Have another drink. Grab another bite. Stay awhile.
Feed Them Well
The older I get, the more I realize that my favorite kind of hosting isnāt about making everything perfect. Itās about making people feel taken care of.
A house full of conversation, everyone gathered around good food, plates being passed back and forth, and little feet running around while the kids play somewhere nearbyāthatās a good night to me.
So if youāre coming to my house, come hungry.
Iāll take care of the rest.
xo, Bianca

