This post was sponsored by Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.
Spring open house, summer fun, play dates, family visiting from out of town. What am I getting at? Hosting people and parties, they're part of this time of year (and let's not even get into November and December)!
Here are six practical party hosting tips to help you make memories, instead of becoming overly stressed while you're at it.
6 Practical Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Party
Party hosting can be stressful, I will not deny that! But, I want to share some tips I have for you that help keep party hosting less stressful.
Tip #1: Clean up clutter 2-3 days before the party. This way you can use the day before to go over last minute details and not worry about being behind on laundry.
Tip #2: Be okay with microwave/quick heat foods. Really! You can have one or two items "freshly made" but don't try to do it all. This will create mess (hello clean up!), and will also increase stress and the burden on your shoulders.
Tip #3: Keep food presentations on the table simple, yet classy. And don't be afraid to buy ready-made party items at the craft or party store if you're short on time customizing them. If you're serving appetizers or sweet treats, try serving them on a cute platter and use treat toppers for added presentation. You could decorate the toppers with cute arrows made out of scrapbook papers to match your party theme or colors. Or just pick ready-made ones at your local craft store.
Here's an idea I did at the recent going away party I hosted for a dear friend. These are Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods Salted Caramel Brownie Bliss that I presented with treat toppers matched to my modern-vintage black, white and gold-themed party.
Everyone commented on how these looked so pretty and couldn't believe the treats were from Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods! These sweet stuff were enjoyed thoroughly by our guests! (I'll tell you more about it at the end of this post).
Tip #4: Clean the bathrooms, especially the toilets, the day of the party. I know, this sounds crazy, but of all places where people can truly focus, it is in the bathroom. Put in fresh linens, make sure the toilet is clean, and take out any trash before guests arrive.
Tip #5: Consider a small update to your entry way. Whether it is a fresh welcome mat, or something new for decor, it can make a conversation piece, and can brighten your room as well. (See this idea for a DIY Monogram that we previously showcased).
Tip #6: Consider parking issues in advance. If you don't have a spot for parking for each of the guests, talk to your neighbors in advance so they'll know that there may be a few extras on the street that evening. If you're in a more urban setting, let your guests know in advance where they should park, and, if you can afford it, reimburse any parking fees. No one wants to be the talk of the group because you invited them over and they had to pay to park.
At the end of the night, most people will not realize all the work that went into hosting the party, and no matter what you try, there will always be people that you just cannot please, ever. Don't waste your energy trying to smooth things over with them. Instead, do your best, make polite conversation, and reward yourself with a Brownie Bliss from Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods and a glass of wine after they leave.
So let me tell you about the Salted Caramel Brownie Bliss from Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods. If you're anything like me, you'll love the sweet and salty combination of rich chocolate brownie and decadent caramel in these mini brownies- which are perfectly delicious! And what's even sweeter, one serving is only 80 calories and 4 SmartPoints®!
Did I piqued your interest yet? Well, you can grab these products at national and local grocery retailers now for a suggested retail price beginning at $3.29.
Other Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods products:
- Triple Chocolate Brownie Blissâ
- Mint Chocolate Brownie Blissâ
- Peanut Butter Brownie Blissâ
- Chocolate Crème Cake
- Lemon Crème Cake
- Red Velvet Crème Cake
- Carrot Crème Cake
- Chocolate Brownie
- Coffee Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
For more information on where to find these delicious treats, please visit the Weight Watchers product locator. And now through May 31, 2016, you can purchase any Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods treat, try it, and if you don't love it, you can get your money back through their Love It Or It's Free Challenge! Now, how cool is that? Go join here!
You can find complete details and full customer reactions here: https://tastingisbelieving.com/weightwatchers/taste16/video
vickie couturier says
good really cool tips,,will be hosting a party this summer
Michelle Elizondo says
I love parties.
sheila ressel says
Thanks for the useful tips! I will keep them in mind next time I entertain at home.
Melissa S says
These are great tips. I really think I am going to have to give the brownie bats a try. I have been making some dietary changes and it has become obvious to me that total sweets denial is only ever going to backfire on me.
Holly @ Woman Tribune says
These are some really great tips. Hosting a party can be overwhelming and stressful if you let it. Keeping things simple and managing your time can really help.
Amber Ludwig says
Such great ideas!! I am always so stressed the night before and the day of a party!! I try and do as much prep as possible before but Im always scrambling!! Im always so anti micro food but I really should give myself a break!! I love the presentation on those weight watchers bars!!
Lisa Rios says
Hosting a party can become a big stress if you don't plan it well & these are some wonderful tips to make sure all is well. I think the cleaning part is so important as you need to be very much prepared upfront & parking issues has to be taken care as well.
Ron@ApartmentsInMichigan says
Great and amazing tips. Thanks for sharing specially the parking stuff (often overlooked). Will keep these tips in mind.
Stephanie Pass says
I can't believe those are Weight Watchers treats! I love all these tips. The parking one is one I never even think about.
Kathy says
Great tips! I love that you had some Weight Watchers products there too. I think some of their items are really good. I haven't tried those brownies yet though.
Nikki says
What an awesome idea! I don't had an idea how to host a party so thankful that I found these.
Aziel Morte says
Such a great tips and ideas, I am going to try this, Glad you share this important info with us
Erica says
My biggest thing would have to be the bathrooms. No one wants to go to your house to find a messy/nasty bathroom! Great tips 🙂
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
All of them are important tips, but I'd like to stress out the importance of 1,3 and 4. I've been there! And yes, you certainly piqued my chocolate senses with those brownies. Mmmm.....brownies.
wendy says
Great tips and ideas! I am going to have to try these! I have a sweet tooth and anything that would help me get through my diet with a bit of sweetness is always a good thing!
adriana says
Yum! These are so yummy and you really can't tell they're by WW, that's the best part! I love how you displayed them!
Liz Mays says
I love these ideas. I'm definitely going to include some of the WeightWatchers brownies as low calorie desserts!
Elizabeth O. says
I normally make a list of the things I need to do, especially when it involves cleaning certain areas of the house that the guests might stay in. I love this list of tips, it's tried and tested! The brownies look really good, by the way. Thanks for introducing me to this brand.
Katy says
This is a great post with awesome ideas! There are so many reasons to celebrate or have people over this time of year. If I keep the party essentials easy I'm much more likely to invite guests over.
Ps- those brownie bites look amazing!!!
Cindy Ingalls. says
Party prep can be so stressful. These are really great tips for making it easier. A good to do list also helps keep you on task.
Raijean S says
Yes, great tips. I'm going to have them at my next event. I love those caramel brownies.
Robin Masshole Mommy says
We host quite a bit, so I am loving your tips here. They are all very practical.