Tips and Tricks for the Spring Party Host

Warmer weather is finally here; fresh flowers are blooming, and pretty pastels are the center of attention. What better way to celebrate this cheery season than gathering with friends for a spring party! While hosting may seem daunting, it doesn’t need to be. In the end, the most important part of hosting is to make sure your guests feel warm and welcomed. To ensure you are relaxed and prepared for your guests, follow these helpful tips and tricks.

Food and Drink

Let the season pick the food: choose menu items that compliment the season. Spring is the perfect time for dainty sandwiches and iced tea. Don’t overdo it; have one key item and let everything else compliment it. Pimento cheese tea sandwiches are the perfect southern staple, and your guests are sure to love them. Encourage guests to bring side dishes or drinks for variety and less pressure on you!

Set Up

There is nothing worse than feeling rushed right before guests arrive. Set up everything you can well in advance: set aside linens, any utensils, and glasses needed. Make sure any place cards are labeled and table cloths are clean. As a host or hostess, there are many other things you will be worrying about, such as putting on makeup and picking out an outfit. Setting up as much as possible in advance is an easy way to take off some of the pressure on the big day.

Decor

Now comes the fun part, decorating. Utilize the wide array of fresh flowers spring brings, and use a pastel color palette as an exciting contrast to the dark winter colors. Go to your garden or a friend’s garden and choose seasonal flowers to compliment the food and drinks. Flower arrangements can be in creative spaces to freshen up the area such as the entryway, powder room, and kitchen. Floral arrangements are a simple and cheap way to bring life and color to your space.

Lighting can create a completely different space if done correctly. Hang string lights on railings, and use taper candles as centerpieces to create a magical feel. There are many options for battery operated candles which could be used to create paths or light up green space in the yard.

Don’t worry if you have limited space to work with; there are so many ways to make a small space seem larger than it is! Take advantage of the weather and open doors to the outside to create a fluid path throughout rooms. Make use of counter space for serving, and stick to hors d’oeuvres so your guests can stand, and you don’t have to worry about seating. If you have a yard, the spring weather is a great time to be outside for a garden party.

What to Wear

Finally, one of the most important parts, deciding what to wear. Think toile, florals, and pastels. For Love & Lemons and ShopBop are great places to find inspiration. I love this timeless toile dress from Staud and these floral dresses from For Love & Lemons. For menswear, linen pants and button ups are a classic spring look.