Written by Alexandra Kelly
Published Sep 17, 2026 | 6 minute read
In an era of endless notifications and increasingly digital lives, many people are looking for more meaningful ways to connect face-to-face. Hosting friends and family at home is one way to bring that craving to life—preferably with good food, good music and good company.
According to Hisense’s “ How We Host: 2026” report, 56% of Americans host a gathering monthly, with one in five people hosting weekly or more. But if you’re the one doing the hosting, the logistics can quickly become overwhelming, especially when balancing budgets, guest lists, planning and expectations.
Fear not: Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or a major milestone celebration, this cheat sheet can help you pull it off with confidence.
Who says you can only celebrate a traditional holiday or birthday? While of course those moments offer a natural opportunity to gather, if you’re looking for more reasons to host, think outside the box.
Here are a few occasions worth celebrating:
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Once you know why you’re hosting, you need to figure out the how. It helps to first think about how you want the gathering to feel.
“Let the energy you want decide the format,” says David Jubé, founder of The Gourmet Host, an app that helps simplify party planning. “Want fun and loud? Do a backyard barbecue or a taco bar. Want slow and intimate? Do a seated dinner. Want daytime and low stakes? Do brunch. Pick the feeling first, and the food, décor and activities follow.”
The next step is making sure the format can be supported by your budget, space and energy level. For example, it takes considerably more planning and money to throw a formal four-course dinner party than a casual potluck or viewing party.
READ MORE: 10 Tips to Get Your Home Holiday Ready
Food and beverages are essential to a good party, but being stuck in the kitchen while guests are mingling is a sure-fire way to miss your own festivities. The key is to prep as much as possible in advance.
“Make-ahead is the whole game,” says Jubé. “Anything that can be served at room temperature or reheated should be done before guests arrive, and one centerpiece dish surrounded by simpler supporting plates lets you look generous without cooking all night.”
Beyond planning ahead, a few simple hosting strategies can make serving guests easier while reducing stress during the event:
Pro tip: Make sure you have enough refrigerator space for make-ahead dishes, coolers for overflow drinks or outdoor events, and storage containers for leftovers.
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While food is a large part of the equation, it’s not the only ingredient for a great gathering.
Curating a welcoming, fun space often influences your guests’ perception far more than what’s on the menu. In fact, 78% of those surveyed in Hisense’s hosting report say that a gathering’s atmosphere plays an important role in the success of the event.
Here are a few elements to consider:
If you host frequently, you may also want to consider some thoughtful home upgrades that will take your gatherings to the next level. According to Hisense, nearly two-thirds of respondents say that improvements around their home would help them feel more prepared to host.
Synchrony offers financing options that can help you pay over time while creating a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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Before your guests arrive, jot down everything you need to do, buy or remember across key party categories.
“Start with the guest list and headcount, because that influences many other categories,” says Jubé.
Here’s a sample checklist to get you started:
When it comes time to shop, look for seasonal sales and rewards programs to save on everything from serving pieces and table décor to outdoor entertaining essentials and party supplies.
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Depending on the type of event, having an activity everyone can do together often helps break the ice and foster connection.
Some ideas include:
Hosting can be meaningful at any price point; all it takes is some thoughtful budgeting. Before you begin spending, decide what you can reasonably afford and which parts of the gathering matter most to you. Then use these strategies to keep costs organized:
Food and beverages will likely make up the largest portion of your budget, says Jubé, who recommends allocating roughly 30% to 40% of your total spending to that category.
READ MORE: 6 Tips To Host an Affordable Holiday Party at Your Home
At the end of the day, the reason you’re hosting a gathering is to enjoy the company of family and friends. So don’t be afraid to ask for help, embrace a few imperfections and get your party on.
“A relaxed host is the single biggest driver of a good party,” Jubé says. “Do the work before guests arrive so that once they do, your only job is to have fun with them.”
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Alexandra Kelly is a writer with nearly 15 years of experience covering entertaining, home trends, etiquette, cleaning and organizing. In addition to being the former senior home editor for Martha Stewart Living and a former lifestyle editor at The Huffington Post, Alexandra has held editorial positions at Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home, Good Housekeeping, Business of Home, Family Handyman and The Healthy.