Ask any seasoned host the secret to a successful event and they’ll tell you practice and preparation is everything. Hosting is an art, and the more you do it, the more you’ll learn. A simple place to start -
Set the table. This is an easy thing to tick off your to-do list, and it can be done as early as the day before. Iron your placemats, polish your cutlery and set out your servingware.
Create a mood. A fresh bouquet of flowers to welcome guests as they arrive. Lit candles in all common spaces like the powder room and the living area. An appropriate playlist humming softly in the background. Dimmed lighting from lamps and candlelight. These are small details that can make or break a dinner party.