By Victoria Pearson Hosting 13.01.2026

6 Easy Hosting Shortcuts (That Still Feel Thoughtful)

Pre-batched drinks, communal playlists, and nostalgic desserts – here’s how to host well without doing the most.

The new year often brings a renewed desire to gather: to open your home, invite people in, and reconnect after a busy season – ideally without the pressure to impress. The good news? Hosting doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel considered. Often, the most memorable evenings are the ones where things feel relaxed and intuitive (for both host and guest).

Here, find our no-fail guide to hosting smarter, not harder, this January, with simple shortcuts to ensure your event still feels thoughtful.

1. Choose one signature drink

Rather than offering a fully stocked bar, opt for one drink instead. A pre-batched spritz, seasonal cocktail, or house-made cordial served over ice feels fun, and means you’re not stuck topping up glasses all night. Set everything out on a tray or drinks table and let guests help themselves. It’s unfussy, and encourages everyone to settle in quickly.

2. Serve a room-temperature menu

Hear us out: dishes that don’t rely on precise timing are a host’s best friend. Think salads, dips, cheeses, bread, roast vegetables and cold desserts – anything that holds its own without constant trips to the oven. Not only does this make prep easier, but it keeps you out of the kitchen and part of the conversation – exactly where you want to be!

3. Force (gently) your friends into service

Set things up so helping feels natural, not like a request. Leave herbs unpicked, bread unsliced, or a board half-built and people will instinctively jump in. It takes the pressure off you, gives guests something to do with their hands, and turns prep into part of the gathering (which is often where the best conversations happen anyway).

4. Use linen to elevate the everyday

A simple linen tablecloth or a stack of napkins instantly lifts even the most casual gathering. There’s no need for elaborate folding or place cards – a loose stack or soft knot does the job beautifully. It’s a small detail, but one that signals care for your loved ones – extra points if you have the time or energy to set the table the day before.

5. Don’t look past a nostalgic dessert

Store-bought desserts are a shortcut worth embracing. A box of ice creams (think: nostalgic options like a box of Drumsticks or Maxibons) feels relaxed and joyful – no bi-carb soda required. A cheese board is another low-fuss way of finishing a dinner. Simply slice and serve on a large platter alongside crackers or fruit. If you ask us, it’s often the least precious choices that guests remember most fondly.

6. Curate a communal playlist

Take the pressure off being the sole DJ for the night with Spotify’s collaborative playlist feature, which lets you invite guests to add their own tracks ahead of time. It’s one less thing for you to manage – turning the evening’s soundtrack into a shared effort – and a surprisingly good icebreaker, too. You’ll get a glimpse into everyone’s musical tastes before they even arrive, and the playlist tends to evolve naturally as the night unfolds.