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Petronella's avatar

I love receiving messages the day after I’ve hosted as well, along with any pictures from the event. As host I always forget to snap a picture of food/drinks/guests/table but I always appreciate when others do (without making a big deal of it while doing it). The majority of my friend group are not using any social media, which makes everyone more relaxed in regards to having their photo taken BUT also means a lot of the pictures from the evening are to never be seen by the host

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Yes!! I actually forgot to mention how I love to pop a little appreciation insta story when I’m hosted! I love making the host pose with their table or spreads!

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Hannah Berry's avatar

Love the sentiment behind this! I would personally disagree with a couple points as a host. :) If I tell my guests not to bring anything, I really mean it!* I’ve got everything covered and I want them to come and relax (and flowers aren’t actually my favorite to receive as a host—I’m always already stocked and would rather not have to arrange them in the moment).

On a related note, I actually don’t prefer if guests step in and help without asking. Call me a control freak but that stresses me out! 🤣😅 I’m all for a polite, “How can I help?” so I can respond, “drink your drink and tell me about your day!”

*That said I would always bring a little something if my host isn’t someone I know super well or see very often.

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Ahahah so fair! You’re so right hosting styles really vary and they all work! 🤍

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Whitney Williams's avatar

I also don’t love help in the kitchen! But I do think the one about going home when it’s time is important - so I can do my cleaning in peace and get to bed at a decent hour!

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Hannah Berry's avatar

Oh yes fully agree with that one. 😂

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Zw0lF36's avatar

I’ve always appreciated guests taking off their shoes unprompted!

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Literally makes my day.

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lina boudelaa's avatar

i love this! watching my mum do this as a child made me excited to host too and its sooo important to be a good guest

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Julia Purcell's avatar

It really is!!

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Ranay Padarath's avatar

As someone that also really enjoys hosting, I endorse this post.

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Claudia Langella's avatar

community + small talk = recipe for success!!!

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Xue's avatar

Everything was spot on! Taking photos is always helpful :)

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Julia Purcell's avatar

🤍

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Audrey Vinkenes's avatar

What a great guide! It's always the little touches that make a dinner party special.

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Thanks Audrey!!!

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Christina's avatar

Love your advice! One other small change I've made recently is switching from asking "Can I bring anything?" to "What can I bring?". For some reason I always feel awkward saying "yes" when people ask if they can bring anything (and I think others might too), and I've found this wording makes it easier because it builds in the assumption I'm already bringing something and just lets people be specific about what they'd like :)

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Julia Purcell's avatar

I completely agree! I always feel so awkward asking (even my absolute closest friends). Love how you put it - the assumption that you’re bringing something!!!

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Catherine's avatar

your suggested gifts are all so cute; thank you for the inspo! They're all quality but low key all at the same time

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Of course!! 🤍

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Addi Kirk's avatar

Bravo! This is perfect. Thank you!

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Sarah Kmiecik's avatar

Loved this read! Saving for later so I can study it before my next get-together. :)

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Julia Purcell's avatar

too kind! hope its a blast!

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Evie!'s avatar

This is such sound advice!! (And the graphics on the post were so much fun, I loved them!)

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Too sweet! I love a graphic hahaha

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Stacey Cass's avatar

I love number 5! I once was had people stay so late, I considered saying “well I’m going to bed, here’s the key, lock up your way out.” Fortunately I was saved by my dad, who just said “are you crashing here? If not it’s time to get home.”

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Julia Purcell's avatar

Haha got to love dads! We’ve all been there!

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Sophie Nygren's avatar

Love this, a great read! Straightforward, but so doable and easy for simple things that will mean a lot to the host

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Julia Purcell's avatar

🤍

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Shilpa deopa's avatar

I am soon planning to host!

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Julia Purcell's avatar

love to hear it! Hope it’s fab!

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