Be a Good Host | Make Your Home a Guest FAVORITE!

I used to believe I knew exactly what it took to be a good host. I’d try my best to offer delicious food and drinks and make sure the house was sparkling clean.

And yet…my guests never seemed to feel at home.

Then I visited one of my close friends, Jenna, and her husband Joe to stay for a few nights, and immediately noticed my entire visit felt like a warm hug.

The decor invited me in. Things were clean enough to make me comfortable but not so spotless that I couldn’t relax and actually use items, like the throw blankets and pillows scattered about.

From the relaxed and unscheduled vibe, to the pile of clean towels in the guest bathroom, to the multiple areas arranged for visiting, I felt like I was being treated to a hotel stay.

As an introvert, I usually leave other people’s homes worn down and desperate for some alone time, no matter how much I love my hosts.

But this time? I left feeling more relaxed and refreshed than when I arrived.

And it left me wondering…what exactly was it that made me feel so at home there? And how could I recreate that same feeling for friends and family members visiting me?

I collected my own thoughts on this topic and then opened up the conversation to you, our readers, on social media. And friends, you did not disappoint!

Whether you're hosting close friends, a dinner party, a holiday season gathering, or overnight guests, here are the big and little things we all agreed on:

Be a Good Host at the Front Door

Invite others to visit your home.

It sounds like a given, but to be a great host, you have to first extend an invitation.

If you’ve never invited your neighbors over, don’t expect them to immediately feel at home when they step inside your door for the first time to ask a favor or return your escape artist dog. If your potential guest has to decline your invitation at the time, be sure to let them know that your door is always open.

Sincerely welcome guests.

Your facial expressions, words, and tone at the front door all send a message to your guest about how truly welcome they are. So even if you’re stressed out and covered in gravy from an explosive kitchen mishap (maybe that’s just me?!), take a deep breath and sincerely smile as you say your hellos.

Greet your guests with a warm hug (if you're both comfortable with it).

One of the most popular reader requests was for hugs the moment they step in the front door.  The warm and welcoming tone of a hug helps set the stage for the rest of their visit.

Offer a place to set their things.

I know I often awkwardly scan a room to find an appropriate place to set my purse. I want it to be easily accessible, away from pets, kids, and feet, and also acceptable to my host.

Take the guesswork out of the equation by immediately offering guests a table or closet to safely house any purses, coats, diaper bags, or other belongings. This is one area where little things can go a long way to make guests feel welcomed from the moment they step through the front door.

Be a Good Host Entering the Main Living Area

Another popular request? Offering hot coffee, tea, water, or another drink.

Most guests will feel like a bother asking to drink something from your fridge if you haven’t offered. So eliminate that possibility as soon as they step in the door, and before you start visiting and forget!

Offer a snack.

You don’t necessarily have to make a special shopping trip to have your guests’ favorite foods on hand. (Although you can never go wrong with that approach, especially when food allergies are at stake.)

But I always try to keep some crowdpleasers at the ready. Think chips and salsa, cheese and summer sausage, break-and-bake cookies, or veggies with ranch dip.

I love making up a small tray of fruit when children come to visit. The sweetness makes it feel like a special treat to them but it’s still a healthy option, sure to please parents.

Want to class things up a bit? Consider making or buying a charcuterie board or cheese plate to snack from while you visit!

It's truly the little things that count!

Bonus points: Show your guests where to find those drinks and snacks in the fridge and pantry, and tell them to help themselves whenever they’d like.

This makes your guests feel more like family.

Show guests where everything is and invite them to make themselves at home.

The single most repeated and requested phrase in reader comments was “make yourself at home.” This seems to be the magic phrase that sets people at ease and convinces them they really are welcome.

Don’t stop offering drinks and snacks.

Just because your guest wasn’t thirsty 30 minutes ago doesn’t mean they aren’t thirsty now. Or maybe they’d like to finish that cup of coffee but believe they’ll need to make it last.

Freely and frequently making those small gestures helps to sustain the welcoming feeling.

Invite guests to take a seat and relax.

Again, this seems like a given. I mean, they’re obviously going to sit for the majority of their visit, right?

But by ushering them to the comfiest chair in the living room and using that magic phrase, “relax,” you’re not only allowing them to sit, you’re inviting them to.

Be a Good Host By Tweaking Your Home

Keep things (just somewhat) clean.

Sure, a bit messier home might make your guests feel more like family. Buuuuut most people don’t want to have to relocate a pile of laundry to find an open seat…or navigate a pee-splattered toilet.

The general sentiment was that too clean makes your home feel almost unrelatable, but that a little spot cleaning will go a long way in making guests feel more comfortable.

Overnight guests? Ensure you provide clean sheets and towels and a guest room (or "pop-up" guest room in the living room) free from clutter.

(Want a handy cleaning schedule that breaks cleaning up into super short segments throughout the week? Nab yours free here!)

Make your house smell like home.

Whether it’s the crockpot roasting dinner, freshly brewed coffee, or a clean or yummy-smelling candle, be mindful of the scent guests will encounter as they walk through the door. (I love to burn seasonal scents like pumpkin or gingerbread.)

This is especially key if your home tends to smell like smoke, pets, or other strong scents.

(Want some extra help in this area? Check out How to Make Your Home Smell Good | Combat Odors & Create a Signature Scent.)

Provide a comfortable seat.

Unlike inviting guests to take a seat, this tip is all about making sure the seat is comfortable.

For example, if your guest is under five feet tall, don’t offer the high barstools on the kitchen island for her to climb up into. If they’re elderly, be sure the seat isn’t too low, making it difficult to get in and out of.

Most readers said they’d opt for a cozy couch and nothing so fancy they’d worry about ruining it.

I’d personally add offering a pet hair-free place to sit. Your guests may not enjoy animals like you do, may not want to leave your home covered in pet hairs, and may even be allergic.

Offer guests a comfy blanket.

Of course, they aren’t planning to take a nap. But lots of people enjoy cozying up to a warm blanket or throw pillow while they chat, especially during colder months.

Keep a few nearby, folded in a basket, hanging on a ladder, or simply draped over the arm of the couch. Not only will it make guests feel at home, it will also help to contribute to that hygge home feeling.

Be a Good Host By Giving Guests Your Full Attention

Turn off the tv and put down your phone.

Judge me if you will, but I strongly dislike when friends and family members come together to…all look down at their phones…or silently watch tv together. I don’t feel like we’re visiting much at all.

After all, I don’t want to interrupt someone’s Instagram feed with my conversation. And I’m not fully convinced my host is truly listening to me if they’re simultaneously checking notifications.

Eliminate technological distractions if you’re aiming to hold a conversation.

Make sure you’re listening as much, if not more than, you’re talking.

Have you ever had the feeling someone was talking at you instead of with you? To be a great host, one who makes guests feel fully heard, follow the old adage that we have two ears and one month…and try listening twice as much as you speak.

Be a Good Host to Overnight Guests

If you're hosting overnight guests, consider going the extra mile to load up on their favorite foods and beverages.

One of the hardest parts of staying the night away from home is losing the ability to walk to your own fridge, filled with all of your favorite things. Providing this comfort to guests is an easy way to make your home feel more like theirs.

Stock the bathroom with toiletries and be sure to invite guests to use them.

Most guests will pack their own toothpaste and other toiletries, not knowing for certain if their host will provide those items. So making the extra effort to stock the bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, Q-tips, tweezers, and fluffy towels, will make their stay feel more like a treat than a necessity.

Stock their bed or guest room.

Pile your guest room high with extra blankets, pillows, and clean sheets so guests can choose as many or as few as they prefer.

Leave a note with the WiFi password. And consider any personal touches they might enjoy, like a few bottles of water or fresh flowers at their bedside.

Let them know they’re welcome to the fridge, or to relax in the living room, even if you’re asleep or doing something else.

I can think of several times I’ve stayed in a guest room, trying to pass time reading or scrolling social media, because I didn’t feel comfortable hanging out in the living room or any other room when my hosts weren’t there. Verbalizing this to your overnight guests is incredibly helpful in putting them at ease to move about freely.

Give them a tour to show them where everything is.

Another popular request was to show guests where to find things, rather than simply providing them. After all, if overnight guests need extra blankets in the middle of the night, they don’t want to be left with the choice of either waking you up to ask or rummaging through your hall closets uninvited.

Showing guests where to find what they need provides a clear and open invitation to truly make themselves at home.

Be a Good Host By Making Just-in-Case Plans

The best hosts prepare for the unexpected! By making a few "just-in-case plans," you can help turn moments of potential discomfort into opportunities for connection and a positive experience.

Facilitating Conversations and Activities

We've all experienced awkward silences, or even full-on stops, in conversation. One of the best ways to minimize this experience is to make a short mental list (or even jot one down on your phone!) of appropriate topics to fill the gaps if/when they pop up.

These could include asking about your guest's family, hobbies, job, or even that delicious meal they posted on social media! Try to keep your conversation starters focused on your guest, keeping in mind the two-ears-one-mouth rule mentioned above.

Guest not a big talker? Combat awkward silences by bringing out a few board game options they might enjoy!

Kids experience lulls too! So help your child brainstorm a few different activity ideas you can have on hand when the inevitable "we're booooored!" pops up with younger guests.

Handling Unexpected Situations

It's highly unlikely that everything will go as planned with your visit. You might need to tackle a sudden spill on the carpet or a guest feeling unwell.

Be sure to keep cleaning and first aid supplies, as well as common medicines close at hand so that you can move swiftly and calmly to address any unexpected situations.

Hosting with Pets

Your furry friends add joy to your life but it's important to remember that your guests might have allergies or feel uncomfortable around animals.

Ensure you establish a pet-free zone for those who might need it, and keep lint rollers or a small laundry kit handy for guests who may find pet hair on their clothing. Always check in advance if any of your guests have pet-related concerns, and plan accordingly.

Be a Good Host at Dinner Parties

Now dinner parties are a little more specific for good hosting! From your guest list to your final goodbye, small touches will add up to a dinner party people actually enjoy.

Build A Thoughtful Guest List

Your guest list sets the tone for the whole night. Think about who gets along well and who might enjoy meeting someone new.

A group of 6 to 8 people usually works best. It's small enough for one conversation to include everyone, but big enough to keep things lively.

Ask about your guests' dietary preferences when you send invites. This will save you from any last-minute scrambling in the kitchen.

Try to mix personalities, but don't force it! A relaxed group will make for a relaxed party.

Choose A Menu Everyone Can Enjoy

Pick a main course that feels special but isn't hard to make. Something you've cooked before is always a safer bet than trying a brand-new recipe for the first time at your dinner party.

While you obviously can't cater to everyone's requests, try asking a guest or two about their favorite foods. It's a small touch, but it shows you thought about them specifically.

Consider setting up a charcuterie board or other small snacks (I usually opt for bread, olives, and a small cheese plate) to buy guests a little time to arrive and settle in. This will allow you some time and space for any last minute set up, plus help fill early quiet moments between the arrival time of your first guest and the arrival time of your final guest.

Set The Table And Prep The Space

A clean, welcoming space will make guests feel comfortable right away. Clear off the coffee table and tidy the living room before anyone arrives.

Place cards offer a simple way to guide seating without any awkwardness. They also help shy guests (raising my hand here!) know exactly where to sit.

Set the table a few hours early if you can. This gives you one less thing to think about once people arrive.

Make Arrivals Feel Easy

Try to be ready about 15 minutes before your listed arrival time. This will give you a buffer if someone shows up early.

Greet your first guest warmly, even if you're still finishing something in the kitchen. A quick hello goes a long way.

Offer a drink right away. It gives guests something to do with their hands and helps them settle in.

Have music playing softly in the background.

Silence can feel awkward, especially before everyone has arrived. If you want to make things feel extra special, make a Spotify playlist to complement your main course, guest list, or special occasion!

Serve Dinner Without Stress

Serve food when most guests have arrived, even if one person is running late.

Waiting too long on one person can throw off the timing for the entire dinner party. It's easier to allow the late person to catch up when they arrive.

Keep serving simple. Family-style dishes let guests help themselves and keep the table relaxed.

If you're nervous about your timing, here's an easy tip: prep side dishes earlier in the day. This way, you only need to focus on the main dish when guests arrive.

Check in with guests during the meal. A quick "can I get you anything?" shows you care without interrupting the flow.

End The Evening With Care

As the night winds down, offer coffee or a light dessert. This gives guests a natural cue that the evening is coming to a close.

Thank each guest as they leave. A short, genuine goodbye means more than a long one.

Small, thoughtful touches — like sending guests home with leftovers or a handwritten note — will leave a lasting impression.

Take a moment to relax once everyone's gone. Hosting takes effort, and you deserve to enjoy the last few minutes of the night too!

By becoming more mindful of how you greet and invite guests in, arrange your home, and give guests your full attention, you’ll be one of the best hosts in no time.

Incorporate just a few of these tips, and you’ll already be a great host. Try half or even more of them, and your home will become a favorite destination of family members, close friends, and even strangers.

Enjoy your company!

Frequently Asked Questions

Good hosting comes down to a few key habits: planning ahead, keeping guests comfortable, and paying attention to small details. Here are answers to common questions about welcoming guests into your home or special events.

What does it mean to be a great host?

Being a great host means making your guests feel welcome and comfortable. It's about paying attention to their needs, not just your own plans for the event.

A good host prepares ahead of time. This includes cleaning your space, planning food and drinks, and thinking about what your guests might need.

It also means staying present during the visit. Listen to your guests, ask about their lives, and keep the conversation flowing.

How can I make guests feel welcome at my home?

Start with a clean and organized space.

Clear away clutter from the kitchen, family room, and other common areas so your guests can relax in a welcoming environment. And be sure to clear space on your coffee table and dining room table so guests have room to place their drinks, phones, and other items.

Greet your guests warmly when they arrive. A simple smile and a friendly hello go a long way.

Show interest in what they have to say. Ask about their week, their family, or their interests, and let the conversation grow naturally from there.

Avoid talking only about your own problems or complaints. Your guests came to enjoy time with you, so try to set aside any bad mood to help keep things light and positive.

What should I prepare before hosting a party?

Plan your menu a few days before the party. This gives you time to shop for ingredients and prepare dishes that don't need last-minute work.

Clean your home the day before, if possible. This way you won't feel rushed on the day of special events.

Think about seating and space. Make sure you have enough chairs and room for guests to move around comfortably.

Prepare a few conversation starters in case things get quiet. This helps keep the energy up throughout the party.

How do I host overnight guests comfortably?

Set up a clean and comfortable sleeping area. Clean sheets and extra blankets and pillows make a big difference.

Give your guests some private space if you can. If you don't have a dedicated guest room, another spare room or a quiet corner can help overnight guests feel less like they're in the way.

Stock up on basic toiletries like toothpaste, a spare toothbrush, and extra towels. Guests often forget small items, and having extras on hand shows thoughtfulness.

Share your daily routine with them early on. Let them know when meals happen and when the house gets quiet at night.

What are the best ways to entertain friends when they visit?

Keep the activities simple and relaxed. Game nights, a movie, or just sitting outside and talking can be more enjoyable than anything too planned.

Serve simple foods and drinks that are easy to share. Finger foods and casual snacks work well for informal visits.

As a gracious host, you'll want to pay attention to your friends' energy levels. Some visits call for lively conversation, while others are better suited for quiet downtime.

Let the visit flow naturally instead of forcing a strict schedule. Guests often enjoy unplanned moments more than rigid activities.

How can I be a good host at special events or gatherings?

Greet each guest as they arrive. This small gesture helps people feel noticed and valued right away.

Introduce guests who don't know each other. This helps break the ice and gets conversations started.

Keep an eye on food and drink levels throughout the event. Refill snacks and drinks before they run low.

Stay calm if something goes wrong. Relaxed party hosts help guests feel at ease, even if small mistakes happen along the way.