A Designer's Guide to Hosting: Creating Spaces That Hold the Ones You Love

There's something about the new year that makes me think differently about the spaces we create, not just as a designer, but as someone who deeply believes that our homes should hold the people and moments that matter most.

The new year often fosters change and has a beautiful way of revealing what our spaces are really for. We live in these rooms everyday, we go about our daily routines, we appreciate the beauty we've created, and we enjoy the comfort. Our homes facilitate connection and laughter and those long, lingering conversations that happen after dinner, creating the kind of warmth that makes people feel truly welcome, truly seen, truly at home.

And here's what I've learned after years of designing spaces and hosting in my own home: the magic isn't in the trendy holiday decor or the perfectly styled tablescape you saw on Instagram. The magic is in the intentional preparation, in thinking through how your space will actually function when it's filled with the people you love, and then designing for that reality with as much care as you'd design for beauty.

It's not about making everything look perfect or magazine-worthy. It's about creating an environment where my family and friends can truly relax, where conversation flows naturally, where everyone feels taken care of without me running around stressed the entire time. That's the real luxury, isn't it? Not the expensive centerpiece, but the feeling of ease and abundance and genuine hospitality.

So I start in the entryway, which I think is one of the most overlooked spaces when people are preparing to host. But think about it, this is the first thing your guests experience when they walk through your door. I always make sure there's a beautiful place to set things down, a console table with a tray for keys, a bowl for small items. Good lighting that feels warm and welcoming, not harsh. Maybe a candle burning with a scent that says "you're home now." These small details set the entire tone for the evening, and they make your guests feel immediately cared for.

And comfort, it matters so much more than I think people realize. I'm always adding extra throw pillows and blankets this time of year, not because they look cozy (though they do), but because they actually are cozy. I want someone to be able to curl up on the sofa with a blanket and a glass of wine and feel completely at ease. I want the seating to be plentiful enough that no one is perching awkwardly on the arm of a chair. This is where investing in quality, comfortable furniture really pays off, not just in how it looks, but in how it allows people to truly settle in and stay awhile.

Lighting is something I obsess over, it’s one of my favorite ways to elevate a space. I think about it in layers, overhead lighting that's dimmable, table lamps that create pools of warm light, maybe some candles that make everything feel more intimate and special. 

As I think about these details, I keep coming back to the same question: How do I want people to feel when they're here? And the answer is always the same, I want them to feel cherished. I want them to feel like every detail was considered with them in mind. I want them to feel comfortable enough to kick off their shoes, to have a second helping, to stay late into the evening because they don't want to leave. That's what good design does for your home, it creates the container for connection and memory-making.

I think that's what I love most about hosting, it's not about perfection or impressing anyone. It's about creating space for the people and moments that matter. It's about using our homes the way they're meant to be used, as gathering places, as havens, as the backdrop for the memories we'll carry with us long after the dishes are washed and put away.

Even though spring and summer, the ideal hosting seasons, might seem like it’s a while away, start thinking about how you want your home to feel when you invite friends and family over, or even in those quiet moments at home. The most perfect space not only looks beautiful but it feels that way too. It's filled with laughter and conversation and the people we love most. They're the ones where everyone feels at home.

And that's the kind of beauty that never goes out of style.