How to host a great party when you're an introvert
As an introvert, playing host can be exhausting — but it’s all about having the right game plan.
Be it a house warming, BBQ, birthday or a dinner party, here are a dozen ways to enjoy yourself when having people over, even if your ideal night usually involves a good book and a comfy armchair.
1. Pick an event that’s meaningful to you.
Entertaining when you’re an introvert takes a lot of effort, so don’t waste it on an event your heart’s not invested in.
Think honestly about annual holidays and birthdays and intentionally choose which you would enjoy hosting — and which you’d rather attend at someone else’s home!
2. Do most of the party prep early so you can conserve your energy.
Prepping early is good advice for anyone throwing a party, but it’s essential for introverts. While extroverts tend to gather energy from being around others, we introverts find it incredibly draining.
3. Let your decor do the talking.
Having cool coffee table books, photos, unusual antiques and objects sprinkled around the party space makes for natural conversation-starters. Been on a trip recently?
Put a small photo book or bowl of loose photos on the table where guests can’t help but reach for it, or introduce your guests to a new food discovered on your travels.
4. Invite a good friend to show up a little early.
Having a bestie arrive before the other guests is like having a “soft opening” for your fete. Then, when other guests arrive, your friend can help take some of the weight of socializing off your shoulders.
5. Master a few company-worthy dishes.
Stressing out about whether the food will come out all right is the last thing you need to be doing. This goes for everyone hosting a gathering, but for introverts most of all.
When you have a few go-to recipes in your back pocket that you make with confidence, you can relax about the menu and turn your attention to other things.
6. Put on music before you expect guests to arrive.
And make it music you love! Having music on in the background makes it less awkwardly silent when those first guests show up. Of course, if you followed tip No. 4 (invite a good friend to show up early), you’re already ahead of the game.
Drinks tip: Introverts, imbibe with care!
It can be tempting to calm your party nerves by sipping those drinks a little too quickly. If you do choose to imbibe, select something light (and less alcoholic) to begin the party, like prosecco or rosé.
7. Practice the art of strewing.
One thing I tend to stress over when hosting is how to create good flow within the party space. Will everyone clump together uncomfortably in one room? What if there aren’t enough seats?
Eek! I feel much better when there’s something to tempt guests into each corner of the party zone. The art of strewing is simple: Put some snacks on the coffee table, a self-serve bar tray on the credenza and twinkle lights on the patio.
These small touches let guests know they’re welcome in these areas, without your having to say a thing.
8. Invite at least a few people who put you totally at ease.
The great thing about hosting when you’re an introvert (as opposed to attending a party at someone else’s house) is that you have complete control over the guest list. No more worrying that you won’t know anyone!
Be sure to invite a few people you feel totally comfortable around, and who’ve been to your home before, to put you at ease.
Also invite a few extroverted friends — they’ll help get (and keep) conversations going.
9. Keep it simple.
Put a little potted plant or flowers cut from your own garden on the table instead of fussing with fancy flowers; set out mixed nuts and olives instead of baking trays of complex hors d’oeuvres — in other words, keep it simple.
10. Have the kind of party you find easiest to manage.
Does the formality of a sit-down dinner give you the willies, or does the structure make you feel more secure? Go with what feels most comfortable and doable to you, whether that means hosting a dinner for six or a backyard barbecue for 12.
11. Give yourself permission to sneak away for a few moments.
As the host, it should be easy to come up with reasons to get away from the hubbub for a few minutes.
In all likelihood, no one will notice a thing, and if it helps you maintain your energy throughout the party, it’s worth it.
12. Set yourself up with some solo treats for afterward.
What does your ultimate night in look like? Gather a few of your favourite treats in advance (a book, some delicious tea, a new season of a favourite show cued up on Netflix) and reward yourself after the party with a restorative evening at home.
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This article via Laura Gaskill does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.