Having friends and family visit your home, whether for a small dinner gathering or a large cocktail party, can be overwhelming; we all want to impress and to ensure our guests have a fabulous time. Relax and enjoy! It can be easier than you think. Here are some of our favourite ideas to help make every get-together a success:

Set up a bar cart. Let your guests help themselves to drinks – they’ll love the freedom to choose what they want and it frees up your time to socialize. Not to mention, a bar cart stocked with your best crystal makes an elegant style statement.

Be sure everyone has a table surface. A table of some sort should be within easy reach of each guest. If you’re eating buffet/lap style, it’s even more important. A coffee table works well of course, as well as small accent tables or nesting tables that can be tucked away after your event.

Integrate multiple lighting sources. Too bright or too dim lights can ruin the ambience of a room and make interaction uncomfortable. Use a combination of lamps, muted overhead lighting and even candles to create lighting that is warm and welcoming.

Bring life into the room. It’s not a party without fresh flowers! Display something special in a unique vase or pitcher. A planter with fresh lavender is always lovely for its appearance and its calming scent.

Ensure open, easy access. It may be a challenge with a small space, but make sure there’s open flow in a room – around dining tables, sofas, chairs, etc. These help your guests from being cramped or bumping their legs on your coffee table.

Remove the clutter. If you’re having a large crowd, store some of your trinkets. Tables should be mostly clear to enable guests to lay down drinks, plates or personal items like their phones. If children are attending, move breakables and any items with sharp edges.

Personalize your space. One of my favourite things about visiting someone’s home is seeing how it reflects their character. Don’t be shy to display a prized collection, photographs you’ve taken, artifacts from your travels or a framed poem you love.

Have plenty of seating. Make sure there’s ample seating for all and create conversation nooks for small groups and quiet one-on-ones. Benches, ottomans and occasional chairs are ideal as they’re easily moved from one location to another.

Play the right music. Have you ever been to a party where the music is too loud or harsh or filled with commercials? Instead choose soft music that all can enjoy, played low but audible so there’s sure to be a background atmosphere.

Why not invite some friends over for dinner? Have fun – and impress them!