Organization & Joy Tips For The Hostess

Entertaining is a task of love indeed.

Planning alone can be nerve-racking. Add the grocery store trip/s, food prep, timing plan, guest list, tablescape plan, seating, housecleaning, and that sweet touch of guest drama…

It can be overwhelming, but it can bring such joy if you go in with a happy attitude and a plan of attack.

ORGANIZATION JOY TIP FOR PLANNING

ABOUT THAT NOT SO BEST LAID PLAN

No Bueno to Online Printable Checklists

You can google and print all kinds of checklists for event planning. They absolutely can be helpful, but the layout is never a perfect match for your personal plan. This can make them an inconvenient an uncomfortable waste of time.

No Bueno TO Smartphone Task Lists IN YOUR notes

Lay down that phone. Making a list on your smart device will not likely get you to the plan confidence you need because it is hard to see the big idea on a small screen.

ABOUT “THE BEST” LAID PLAN ORGANIZATION TIP

Yes To Notebooks + Pens + PENCILS + Markers

A written plan will take a major amount of stress away because it will help you to organize your thoughts. This notebook is just for you.

BEST LAID PLAN ORGANIZATION TOOLS

NOTEBOOK TIPS FOR YOUR BEST LAID ORGANIZATION PLAN

What TO PUT IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

PAGE ONE: A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOURSELF

Write a positive message to yourself with colorful markers. The first motivational phrase or line from a song that pops in your head will be perfect. Something that makes you feel joy.

My phrase is a few lines from a Lizzo song.

I know this is a break up song. I am not planning on walking any part of my body out the door. BUT…

Sparkle Warning! This song will get stuck in your head. This is not just the lyrics from the Grub Hub commercial and my notebook. It does contain a few light dirty words.

…Back to what to put in your notebook.

PAGE TWO: ORGANIZATION PLANNING TASK LIST

Write the words “Task Brainstorm” in a pretty marker color at the top of the page. Then, using a pen, list all the “task categories” you can think of.

• Event Theme
• Date and Time
• Guest List
• Decor
• Menu
• Music
• Party Favor
• Shopping List
• Cooking Schedule

…AND SO ON.

PAGE THREE: HOSTESS TASK CATEGORIES

Write your narrowed “task categories” at the tops of the following pages with colored markers. Then, With a pencil (flexible changes), list you plan of attack for each at the top of the task pages. If you have people that you can count on to help, Use markers to highlight tasks that can be delegated.

PAGE FOUR: THE BEST LAID PLAN

Go back through your “task pages” and create a new page with tasks that can be delegated. Organize the tasks into personalized checklists. Pass your requests on with a “thank you in advance and a please no later than date.”

THE FUN SATISFACTION PART FOR THE HOSTESS

After completing each task, mark it off your list. It is such a good feeling! Enjoy it!

JOY TIP: CHECK YOUR JOY METER

Change Your Thoughts: Have you ever heard the saying, “You can do anything you set your mind to!” YOU CAN! It isn’t easy but you can. I think this phrase needs a refresh. You can do anything you set your mind to do when you approach it with a joyful attitude.

Everything you do in life really is about your attitude. I had to rake a yard full of leaves with the wind blowing like a gym fan (I was in a wind battle to remove leaves before they littered my neighbors yard.) last week. It was certainly not a favorite thing to do, but it was the right thing to do. Guess what! I simply reset my “I don’t want to do this thoughts” to “Gwyn, adjust that bad attitude to JOY. Attach that big trash bag between two chairs, FLIP THAT HAIR, and get to the raking girl! You are being a GREAT NEIGHBOR and IT IS FUN TO BE KIND thoughts.”

Organization & Joy Tips For The Hostess: Summing it ALl Up

It also requires music.

PIN IT

ENTERTAINING

See All >

Peppered Pancetta Maple Kroughnuts

Best Sweet Glazed Blood Orange Loaf Cake

Sweet Glazed Fresh Strawberry Scones

DIY Jelly Bean Bracelet

The post Organization & Joy Tips For The Hostess appeared first on Sparkling Charm - Seasonal Entertaining & Lifestyle Blog - You're Invited.

Originally Published November 18,2017 | Updated: November 15, 2022

Seven Ways to Be a Fabulous House Guest

The relationship between the host and house guest is most definitely a delicate one. It is a relationship, that if handled without care, can turn the joy and fellowship I was referring to above into a disagreeable nightmare.

Before we begin, keep in mind that no situation is alike as are no two relationships. You know your host best. The following are general simple courtesies intended to keep your status as “(Your Name Here), Is A Fabulous House Guest.”  Most of these things come naturally and without thought. 

SHOP TRAVEL

1. COMMUNICATION iS KEY

Arrival and Departure

If you are going to be the guest in someone else’s home, be sure to communicate the exact arrival and departure details up front. If the host is vague with the phrasing, reply with an exact number of days to include specific calendar dates as well as the arrival and departure times. Arrival and departure must be a clear agreement and an exact sync of schedules. This will ensure there are no surprises for your host.

If you are traveling by air, bus, or train, send your travel itinerary to your host as soon as possible.

Avoid asking your host/hostess to pick you up from the airport. If they have the time, they will offer. If they do not, arrange a rental car or other transportation.

Make sure your departure is what you communicated. If your stay is for some reason extended, avoid putting your host on the spot by asking if you can stay longer. Go ahead and make other accommodations.

If you get the feeling that your visit is causing a strain while in progress, decamp and very graciously head for an alternate location.

Be On Time

Arrive when you say you will. Depart when you say you will.

If you have a change in travel plans, and your arrival is going to be earlier, plan to arrive at the already agreed upon time. Remember, your host is busy preparing for your arrival and you don’t want to be an imposition from the start. If your arrival will be later, contact your host/hostess immediately so they can make adjustments.

Multiple Guests.  Be sure to communicate the number of people you will be traveling with. If the number is a match, your host will need to prepare and plan many extra details for the number they will be hosting.

Be prepared to make other arrangements if your host doesn’t have the room to host all those traveling with you.

Be considerate of a host who doesn’t have children. If your host is opening their home to your children, you will need to discuss house rules, meals, entertainment, etc. in advance.

Traveling With A Pet

If you are bringing a pet, make sure your host knows. If your host doesn’t like pets, find another option. Perhaps a pet kennel?

If your host has invited your pet to visit, plan to keep a close eye on it. When left unattended, your pet should be in a crate or a confined area. Accidents are NEVER ACCEPTABLE!

Travel with everything your pet will need for the visit.

Ask your host where they prefer you to take your pet for a “potty break.” Clean up after your pet. Remember, it is never okay to let your pet go in common neighborhood areas or anywhere other than a designated spot. Let your pet/s take care of business first. Then walk around the neighborhood as the reward.

Dog Travel Essentials

Coordinate your plans

When you arrive, coordinate your schedules. Avoid assuming your host will bend to yours.

Avoid expecting your host to plan an extensive itinerary for you. Be prepared to entertain yourself.

2. A GIFT OF GRATITUDE

Bring a gift of gratitude for the host/hostess. Your host has surely gone out of their way to prepare for a wonderful and comfortable visit for you. Upon arrival or departure, a small gift of gratitude is always appropriate. Ideas! Take something local from the area in which you live.

Pacific Northwest Example: Seattle Chocolates Mount Rainier Cherry Blossom Honey, Working Girl Wine, or something handmade from the multitude of local lavender fields. 

3. DIETARY NEEDS

Note: If you have any of the following circumstances, these things should be discussed prior to your arrival.

Allergies

Always let your host know in advance if you have any food allergies. Especially any that can cause a severe reaction.

Trending Diets

Diets are personal. Be brief with the details of any diet you may be choosing for your lifestyle. Keep it to three sentences. If your host is interested for specific details they will ask. Avoid expecting your host to change their meal plan to accommodate yours. There most likely will be choices on the table you can eat. Being polite is always the best policy. However, if you are unwilling to eat what your host is planning to serve you, tell your host in advance that you will be bringing and preparing your own food and would love to share.

Children

 If your child is a picky eater, visit a local grocery store for ingredients and prepare their food for them.

Be Generous

Consider bringing a gift card for $50.00 or $100.00 to a local grocery store. Keep in mind, if you were staying in a hotel, you would be purchasing several meals a day.

Golden Rule! Always treat your host to a nice meal out.

4. HOUSE GUIDELINES

Ask Your Host

Ask your Host/Hostess! Most likely your host will give you a house tour and point out things you will need to know. Along the way ask specific questions. The key is to be observant and blend into the routine of the household. For example, if your host takes their shoes off inside, you do the same.

Note: If your host doesn’t give you a tour, ask your own questions once settled. 

Unspoken Polite Policies

1. Avoid being in control of the remote control unless you are asked.
2. Cell Phones and Electronic Devices! No matter what the house rules are, it is always a best practice to stay off your electronic device unless necessary. It implies that conversation and time spent with your host is important to you. If you are addicted to your electronic device and you must have it available at all times, watch how often your host uses his/her device. If they don’t have theirs at the table, don’t have yours. If they aren’t on theirs during down time, avoid being on yours. If you must, step away to the guest room to check your social media, read the news, make calls, or text.
3. Always use a coaster for your drink.
4. If you break something. Apologize. Have it repaired immediately. Replace it. Pay for it.  If it is irreplaceable, find something comparable and gift it with a note of regret. After you find a remedy, do your best to let it go. If you find your host cannot, graciously decamp, replace what was broken by sending it to your host/hostess with another note of apology.
5. Keep your things in one area and keep them tidy and organized.
6. If you leave something behind, send a note with money for postage inside and ask your host to send it your way. Always pay for postage before you ask your host to ship what you left behind.

Most of all, be considerate. Blend into their lifestyle. ENJOY YOURSELF! ENJOY THEM!

5. LEND A HAND

How Can You Help?

Your gracious host has worked hard to accommodate you in the midst of their regular routines. Ask your host how you can help. How may I help with dinner? May I walk the dog?May I wash the dishes?

Departure

Before you leave be sure to leave things better than you found them.

• Strip your bed.
• Empty the trash.
• Wipe down the shower and sink.
• Remove any debris from the guest room and the bathroom.

6. PERSONAL SPACE

Give Your Host/Hostess a Break

Of course your host is going to be overjoyed to see you and want great quality time with you. However, it is crucial that you give your host/hostess time alone. Plan to give them a minimum of two hours of personal space for every day you are visiting. It is ABSOLUTELY TRUE that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Here are a few ideas for the “two-hour rule.”

• This is a great time to entertain yourself and those with whom you are traveling. Plan an excursion in the area. It is absolutely okay to get out and tour alone.
• Go for a run, walk, or a hike. Stop along the way and meditate.
• Retire to your guest room and read a book, work on a project you brought along, or take a nap.

7. GRATITUDE

Send A Thank You Note

No excuses! ALWAYS send a handwritten thank you note expressing your gratitude and a few fond memories of your time together. Send it within seven days of your departure.

Reciprocate

Extend an offer to your host to visit you soon.

PIN IT

The post Seven Ways to Be a Fabulous House Guest appeared first on Sparkling Charm - Seasonal Entertaining & Lifestyle Blog - You're Invited.

New Year’s Eve is almost here. Why not host your own party to usher in the new year with friends and family?  Here are a few cheap and easy tips to throw your own bash in a flash.

Sparkle Note! This article has appeared in in print.

Pop! Clink! Drink! How a Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party

Make a plan. Grab a notebook and a pencil to jot down a guest list, an easy menu, and a few ideas for decor and ambiance. Think about what you already have in your home you can use. Then make a shopping list of what you will need to purchase.

The Invitation. You’re going to need a head count in order to plan accordingly. Facebook Events, Paperless Post, and Evite are three free options for fast responses. Consider a separate text or email to let your guests know they have an invitation awaiting them. This is also an avenue to gently let them know you need a quick response. Try adding this line, “Thank you in advance for a quick response. I have a few fabulous ideas that take planning and I don’t want you to miss out.” I also add it to the bottom of the official invitation.

The Menu. Keep it simple and serve both savory and sweet bite-sized foods. This will give you more time to mingle and everything can be ready to go before your guests arrive. Create a display of these goodies on a countertop where there is plenty of room for easy access. In addition, position plates of these small bites around your home for snacking here and there. Plenty of food adds a touch of splendor to any party.

Pinterest is a wonderful place to get ideas for both savory and sweet food. Visit the Everything New Year’s Eve and Everything Tapas boards on Pinterest at Gwyn_@SparklingCharm.

For drinks, add a unique touch. Create your own cocktail for the celebration and give it a special name. Look in your own cabinets first and see what you already have for your concoction.

If you are interested in a fabulous finale just before the clock strikes midnight, instead of champagne, try this recipe, Champagne Sparkle Shots. Not only are they a show-stopper, they are a mouth-watering treat too.

Decor and Ambiance. Think simple! Place New Year’s Eve tiaras, sparkly hats, 2018 glasses, and noise makers, randomly around your home for people to wear and have fun with throughout the evening. Consider setting up a selfie spot with these fun items too.

Make a party play list and plan the progression of your choices. Start with lively music as guests arrive. Play dance tunes just loud enough to get your guests moving and singing in place while they mingle. Lastly, end the night with soothing music. Click here for a Sparkling Charm New Year’s Party Pop Play List.

Sparkle Note! This article appeared in the news.

YOU’RE INVITED! Get Weekly Sparkle delivered to your inbox!

PIN IT

Copyrights & Credits//Author, Creator, and Photographer: Gwyn @SparklingCharm.com
This post may contain affiliate links.

The post Pop! Clink! Drink! How a Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party appeared first on Sparkling Charm - Seasonal Entertaining & Lifestyle Blog - You're Invited.

3 Sparkle Tips For Creating A Cozy Guest Bedroom

I love to host people in our home and I am passionate about setting up the guest room with cute little details that make a cozy and inviting space. I keep our guest room ready to go at all times.

Below are a few things I do to make our guests feel like they are right at home. These 3 Sparkle Tips are 100% worth the effort! I hope you will be inspired!

You’re Invited!

Sparkle! Sparkle! xx-gwyn

Note: If you don’t have a guest room, no worries! These tips are great for any space you have to offer!  You can create a cozy and inviting space anywhere. I promise! 

3 Sparkle Tips for A Cozy Guest Bedroom

1. The Center of Cozy

“A Billowing Cloud of Comfort AKA … The Bed!”  

The center of coziness is the bed. Whether you are using an air mattress or a bed, focus on the bedding. I start with a pillow top mattress pad. It is a “no fail” for a well rested houseguest. Next I use a 100% cotton sateen sheet set. I don’t skimp on the thread count. I go for no less than a 600 to a 1,000 count. They are well worth the cash! Sleep is important! Lastly! Pillows! From plush to extra firm, go for a variety.

Our guests are forever exclaiming, “Wow! I slept great! I think that bed is more comfortable than my own.” I am sure that this trifecta of perfection is our secret. Shhhhh!

Be sure to spend the night in your guest room. Think about the lighting, temperature, and the comfort level and adjust accordingly.

The post 3 Sparkle Tips For Creating A Cozy Guest Bedroom (Free WiFi Passcode Printable) appeared first on Sparkling Charm - Seasonal Entertaining & Lifestyle Blog - You're Invited.

A Sparkling Charm Cozy Pillow Memo Card is definitely a charming touch to add to a guest’s pillow each night.

My husband and I were married at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. We chose the Charleston Place Hotel at the end of the famous Historic Charleston Market as the site for our reception and stay for all the festivities. Each night before bed we found a card on our pillow with a little info about the next day. I loved it and continued the tradition by creating my own version for friends and family who visit our home. I am sharing this Sparkling Charm Original with you. Your free printable is below.

Oh, and add a chocolate on the pillow. You can’t forget the chocolate!

Sparkle! Sparkle! XX -gwyn

For More Sparkle Tips on Hosting House Guests, click here:

7 Ways to be a Fabulous House Guest

DIY: A Guest Room Cozy Cart! (Free Printable)

3 Sparkle Tips to Create A Cozy Guest Bedroom (Free WiFi Passcode Printable)

Click here for your Free Original Sparkling Charm Printables: 

Sparkling Charm Cozy Memo Pillow Memo Cards Night One, Welcome

Sparkling Charm Cozy Memo Pillow Memo Cards

(First Night of Stay Cozy Pillow Memo)

(Cozy Pillow Memo)

PIN IT

Copyrights & Credits//Author, Creator, and Photographer: Gwyn @SparklingCharm.com

This post may contain affiliate links.

The post Sparkling Charm Cozy Pillow Memo Cards (Free Printable) appeared first on Sparkling Charm - Seasonal Entertaining & Lifestyle Blog - You're Invited.

DIY: Create A Sparkling Charm Guest Room Cozy Cart!

If you have been a houseguest in our home, you know you can expect a basket of goodies personalized with special things for your stay in your bedroom. I have always had fun doing this! When we have soldiers in for a few nights, I always add a favorite beer or a mini bottle of a local whiskey to the basket. When my girlfriends come for a visit, I sometimes stick in a pair of cute PJ’s for a matching PJ movie night. When my best friend Jenny visits from Georgia, I always include at least two bags of her favorite sour gummy candy and a jar of olives. When my mother visits, I always add a pair of cute socks or house slippers.

Well, while styling our three bar carts for the holidays, I was considering bringing in a fourth I recently picked it up on sale at Target for just $38.00. SPARK! It dawned on me that this would be super cute in our guest bedroom starring as a DIY: Guest Room Cozy Cart filled with even more wonderful things to make our guests feel right at home.

Sparkle! Sparkle! xx-gwyn

Sparkle Tip: For guests staying in local accommodations, be sure to pack a Basket of Cozy Goodies for them too. Be sure to include an agenda, local entertainment brochures, and maps. 

For More Sparkle Tips for Guests, Click Below: 

7 Ways to be a Fabulous Houseguest

DIY Pillow Cozy Memos (Free Sparkling Charm Original Printable)

3 Sparkle Tips for Creating a Cozy Guest Bedroom  (Free Sparkling Charm Original Printable)

DIY Easy Peasy Pom Pom Rug (starring on bar cart photos)

What Is On Our Cozy Guest Room Cart?

A Bar Cart or a Simple Cart with Wheels: They seem to be everywhere. I have seen inexpensive carts at local flea markets, Home Goods, Tuesday Morning, Target and on Amazon. 

Click Here for This Free Sparkling Charm Original Printable:

Sparkling Charm Guest Room Cozy Cart

PIN IT

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links

The post DIY: Create A Sparkling Charm Guest Room Cozy Cart! (Free Printable) appeared first on Sparkling Charm - Seasonal Entertaining & Lifestyle Blog - You're Invited.