Host like a pro

by Metropol | July 9, 2025 8:30 am

Entertaining at home is an art – and we’re right in the thick of mid-winter’s party season. Follow this guide and your guests will think you were born with serveware in hand.

Make it earlier, make it easier
Avoid unnecessary stress, the fear that a meal won’t turn out how you hoped by preparing it ahead of time, and the awkward clean-up in front of guests. Large pasta salads, hearty casseroles, comforting lasagnes – winter is a great time for pre-made meals that look and feel fresh. Slow cooker pulled pork is another delicious, versatile option for buns, sandwiches or wraps. Simply set up a station with fillings and sauces and let your guests serve their own.

Images above: Italian wave side plates, In The Roundhouse. Le Merou tapas plates, Maison Balzac. Capri embroidered linen napkin set, Kip And Co.

Plan with cohesion
Menu, music, décor – do your best to make it match. Serve pasta and tiramisu on the Italian-themed plates trending right now, and play Dean Martin’s That’s Amore. For meals from the sea, lean into ocean-themed tableware and find a playlist that transports you to those quaint Mediterranean towns bordering the sea.

Try something new
Offering an expansive spread is certainly a host’s most noteworthy feat, but sometimes you just can’t beat a takeaway. Ordering in isn’t shameful – it’s a wonderful conversation starter and an opportunity to taste a bunch of different dishes or a new cuisine. To keep conversation flowing, a board or questionnaire game is a great way to build laughter and friendly competition.

Don’t forget…

To satisfy your guests desire to be helpful. When someone offers to bring a plate, encourage an entrée or dessert – making sure you leave room within your menu.
To consider ambience. Have a playlist ready with music that meets the tone.
To help ease your guests into it. Hosting a party with a group not too familiar? Create seating cards and answer those anxiety-inducing ‘who am I going to sit with’ questions ahead of time.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/host-like-a-pro/