029: The Art of Hosting with Coco

Very chic tips for any kind of occasion

Apr 18, 2024

Your guest this week is the incredibly chic Coco, sharing an incredibly chic guide to hosting.

Coco’s guide isn’t so much about preparing the perfect meal as it is about cultivating the perfect vibe. Whatever the occasion, she’s proof that sometimes all you need is some sushi, a printed bed sheet and a little ✨finesse✨.

That’s Niche: The Art Of Hosting

Coco’s Expertise:

Inheriting my mom's knack for hospitality, I've learned that hosting isn't about grand gestures but rather the simple touches that make guests feel at home.

Hosting has become an extension of my daily life, all while I get to keep my slippers on. Seeing guests unwind and enjoy themselves is the ultimate compliment!

Before Your Guests Arrive

Your efforts start before your guests arrive. When you’re organizing an event, big or small, make sure to send your guests all the information before they even have to ask. This might include the start time (be realistic), your address, directions and any other essential information, like whether you’re a shoes on or off household.

Snacks, flowers, and a candle!

Make the Best First Impression

By the time your guests arrive you should be ready to greet them at the door, take their coat or provide a clear area for them to drop their stuff.
I always point out where the kitchen/bathroom is and tell them to please feel at home! It’s a small way to make everyone feel more comfortable!
Lit candles and fresh flowers in my entry are also a must!!

Bar set up for the easiest access!

Food First

It is so nice to have a little bite out for your guests. It doesn’t have to be big, but popcorn, nuts, olives, charcuterie etc are great things to pick on!
Whether you are cooking or ordering in food, you buy yourself a little bit of extra time and you know you aren’t making your guests starve.

Setting the Scene

I always pick up flowers at Trader Joe’s and make a few arrangements to go around my apartment. TJ has the best flowers for such good prices! I’ll put a bouquet in my entry, bathroom, and living room which is where I do the bulk of my entertaining (tiny nyc apartment problems).
You can make hosting as casual or formal as you want. I like to have drinks, glasses, plates, cutlery, napkins, etc all at the ready so my guest feel at home and they can grab anything they need without even asking.
Bathroom etiquette: I make sure my bathroom is super clean, light a candle, put my toothbrushes/personal stuff away, have a fresh hand towel or pretty napkins out and ready to be used.
Final touch is a little bit of music to set the tone!

Galentine’s Day this year! The “tablecloth” is a kid sheet from Marshall’s, and I am fully using my coffee table as our table (not pictured, little floor cushions for my guests to sit on as “chairs”)

Be a fun host!

Have fun with it! Care about how you are presenting your space and lay out any boundaries you have (ex: shoes off!) in a super nice way in the beginning. Then from there, enjoy your guests!
Be super aware of anything they might need (ex: if you notice their drink is running low, offer to refill it!). At the end of the night when your guests offer to clean up, have them help in any way you feel comfortable with, but then ensure them not to worry about it (the clean up is part of what you’re signing up for). Sometime’s I will just ask my guests to bring their plates into the kitchen and then I can take it from there.
At the end of the night, walk your guests to the door, help them get all their things, and remind them how nice it was to host them…trust me it’s the best way to send your guests off.

My Superbowl party this year. We did a pizza flight and sundaes for dessert!

Hosting my friends is a love language for me. There is nothing better than sharing food with great company in the comfort of your home. These are very easy and quick tips to completely elevate your hosting game. Over time, you’ll collect a little pile of hosting tools that make entertaining even easier.

I hope these tips inspire or give someone the confidence to invite someone into your space and ensure they have a fabulous time. At the end of the day, it is so personal to invite someone into your space, so it should be a lovely experience for everyone!!

Xx Coco