10 Ways To Be A Great Hostess

[@chrisholzhauer3698]

Yall don't realize how important youtube channels like this are. I grew up in neglectful circumstances so I didn't have anyone to teach me things that many would take for granted. Thank goodness for youtube, public tv, and the food network for teaching me all the skills I never learned growing up! You never know what sharing your gifts can do for others. Even if you're a seasoned pro, it never hurts to sharpen your skills. Thank you Ms Nikki!

[@whitney9429]

Southern Living puts out content on entertaining and etiquette that may be helpful as well!

[@j.m.7056]

As an experienced hostess I can say these are excellent tips for a new hostess! Nikki, you are so good at educating your viewers. Also, I must say your hair looks so pretty with one side tucked behind your ear and the other side in a chic swoop.

[@queenlfosterd]

I absolutely agree the music definitely sets the tone I hate going to a dinner party if there’s no music it’s very awkward

[@Lashlove16]

Great tips Clean /decorate /set up /cook the night before . Make sure you have serving utensils and dishes all laid out and use post it’s to label so you are not looking at the last minute. If anyone is bringing anything ask them if they will require any dishes or serving utensils or oven time Tell guests the time to arrive and the time you will be serving . We usually ask everyone to come 30-60 min before serving . Then we enjoy the day . If ppl want to help you let them Have take out boxes for ppl to take home leftovers

[@Lisa-c9w8h]

I am a restaurant owner and love your tips. Spot on! I would mention to be sure to have plenty of glassware and plenty of flatware…many guests will drink around, ie, water, cocktail, then wine…you don’t want to be hastily washing glasses when the meal is ready to be served. Those are the two things we’re always in a rush to wash & polish at the restaurant! Cheers.

[@jenniferfranklin5872]

Some guests may be uncomfortable removing their shoes if they were not anticipating that request. Have a basket handy with cute holiday socks or fluffy comfort socks that guests may wear and take home at the end of the evening.

[@eileenwatt8283]

Provide shoe covers with traction on the bottom for those who are uncomfortable taking off shoes. Make sure to purchase them in all sizes especially if there are men coming..Amazon sells them.

[@mrskitty7929]

Idk… my husband would be MAD if he was invited to someone’s home and asked to remove shoes, and shoe covers would make him feel self conscious. I really could see him insisting we go home. I never ask guests to remove shoes. If they want to, that’s cool, but I want them to feel 100% welcome and comfortable.

[@calisongbird]

Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@rachaelnunn3186]

@@mrskitty7929 I can't imagine going into someone else's home and disrespecting such a basic request, especially when they've worked all day to feed you free of charge. I take my shoes off when I go to someone's house, don't need to be asked because its just simple hygiene and manners.

[@laurellwomack6846]

The Art of Entertaining🌺 It truly is an art! These tips are vital for any event you host. Thanks so much for sharing 🤗

[@beautifulandsweet8826]

Thank you. Great tips and very useful. One tip you gave in another video was making sure the temperature in your home is not too hot or cold.

[@liseerenee]

Hi Nikki! I recently met your nephew, Sam, whose college dorm you decorated! My husband is a professor at Montreat college. I told Sam I was a big fan of yours!

[@dcsalerno]

Great tips! I hire a couple teenage girls to circulate, pick up trash, keep tidying the bathroom, answer the door, serve whatever and it works great!!

[@thetraveler5822]

10:36p. I got a tip from you awhile ago about the shoe free home: the basket with socks tied with a thin ribbon wrapped around the sock when it’s rolled up. Everyone loved it !

[@calisongbird]

Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@failure2adult756]

Probably said but you have to time your food, if your event starts at 6pm and you have nibbly food, that needs to be out or coming out. Nothing worse than waiting hours for finger foods and everyone leaving before the main dish. Has happened a few times I’ve been at different functions and the finger foods take so long that guests don’t even realise there was a main dish and they leave beforehand

[@kimcoburn9798]

Your advise to carefully invest your time by fixing 1 special item yourself and buying 2 prepared dishes; that's a wise and strategic plan! I enjoy having family dinners, but I don't have the energy to make everything "from scratch" as I did when I was younger. All your tips are valuable and will be helpful!

[@user-xp5qx8wg9x]

Good advice Nikki, I've made several of these mistakes when I hosted a dinner for 12, some who were neighbors I didnt know well. I simply had too large of a menu. I was exhausted and it definitely made people uncomfortable at the dinner table eventhough I tried to act happy and gracious. It was a lesson well-learned and one that still makes me cringe when I think about it. Follow the advice Nikki is giving and you won't do as I did.

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

I have a lot of food allergies and I just let the host know ahead of time that I will eat before I come so I don’t end up in the emergency room.

[@treluvstrees999]

Thank you for being so considerate!

[@Mary-ui4im]

That is me! What happened I had people stay with me due to hurricane Ian. The people made me feel at ease. We put all my towels out on the counter and we went to the grocery store, they bought their food, I'm Vegan, bought mine. I walk everyday my prayer walk, I continued with my prayer walk so they had time to think about what is the next step for them. 🙏🕊️

[@sandraclarke8163]

No leaving candles unattended, ever!

[@calisongbird]

I agree - it’s a fire hazard

[@littlewalrus1373]

Nikki you are not old, you are wise!

[@godsbuckets]

I have jazz in the background almost all the time! Something a little more robust in the daytime and relaxed after dinner!

[@LanaLiloShow]

Hi Nikki, great tips as always. I tend to overdo it, so I try to tell myself less is more as far as the amount of food and drink options...and I still have more than needed! Haha We only ever have smaller get togethers because of our house size, but one thing that always gets used is a cell phone charging area. We have a few cords on a side table or unused corner of a counter away from food and drinks, so everyone can have their phone charged and ready for their drive home.

[@thebusybees2006]

That’s a great idea

[@empressnetta2014]

Great Idea👑💄💋 TFS

[@shiburahulan4513]

Thank you. Really interesting and helpful. The tip I would contribute is to make a list in advance!

[@lisacannon9229]

You always have great tips and are so soothing to watch!

[@natyson295]

Hi, Nikki! Thanks for these tips as we move into the holiday season! ❤

[@estherl8163]

I’m an introvert and it’s hard for me to connect with the guests…..that’s my biggest problems with hosting….

[@starrynight1329]

I'm a beginner at this and this video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for your advice❤.

[@melissaevanicki3998]

Thank you so much for all your advice.

[@empressnetta2014]

Great tips as always 👑💄💋Nikki. I love hosting, setting the tone /ambiance. Spotify is my go to for creating various music playlists. I avoid getting anxious by planning 2 months in advance using party planner organizer.

[@Martha-vx8bj]

I love candles but cannot handle the scented ones plus everyone's (men included) perfume/cologne so mostly I just stay home and wish much merriment for everyone else. I would literally hate going to work after Christmas when everyone would get perfume for presents (Opium, etc.). It's my first time visiting your channel and I love the content and your voice. Thank you.

[@calisongbird]

Also unattended candles as in a bathroom are unsafe. They are a fire hazard.

[@BeautyTheBeastons]

These are all so helpful! I am a self taught host but after years of doing it I’m finally figuring it out love all of these tips though!

[@gaynoradam32]

This is really lovely, and very helpful, especially for the upcoming season. Thanks Nikki

[@SofiayAmor]

Thank you for all your enlightened, joyous journey. Everything you have been teaching is towards a beautiful, clean and light filled life. Your organization has absolutely helped our families life. Thank you again! Happy holidays!🥂 Nikki and Friends.

[@lenoramorris5375]

Girl I love you…I’m feeling on overload with my family arriving from New Orleans next week…the candles will be burning and the Christmas jazz music will be playing…Lenora from Augusta

[@dianebaker6389]

Another great video! I need to up my candle usage this year. And it’s time to think about appetizers… thanks for these terrific reminders!

[@GODSPEAKS898]

Thank you so much Nikki for sharing your tips on how to be a great hostess with the mostess. This was very helpful. ❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗!!

[@klomax7089]

Thank you Nikki, this video is so right on time and I actually watched it twice! 😊👍🏽😊

[@marneylukanc-hn5vq]

Brilliant!! Thank you for the tips. You have made it a little more doable for me. I will always offer my place and then I totally stress out. I love how you explained it all!!!❤

[@gaild9003]

Great tips Nikki! I love your videos! It always feels like a chat with a friend!I'm sharing my coffee with you this morning 💕☕️

[@cherylel-issawi1827]

Thanks so much for sharing. Your advice is so genuine and to the point. You give such helpful tips and your so right about the part of actually enjoying your company which I have learned as the years go by. Family and friends come to enjoy being with you not to just enjoy a meal 😌 Take care. 🤗

[@gizemipkiny]

Hi Nikki! really love your videos to watch. you are so calm and it fells asmr to me ❤ great tips as always❤🎉

[@joyunderwood8660]

Thanks for the great tips, I will now sit down and enjoy my guests.❤

[@mrs.chaamasha9262]

Such a helpful video and a very warm presence! I would love to attend one of your parties 🥰

[@alphadiaz5134]

Thank you so much for all your tips ! God bless you!

[@lindakinkade7965]

Great ideas! Thank you for this video.

[@jonjon3378]

Great tips- thank you!

[@patiogardner7288]

Thank you for thrips. Excellent!

[@jenniferneal6]

Great Tips as Always! You are Awesome ! Love the green sweater! May God Bless You Always!

[@micaj4437]

Hello everyone 👋🏾! Nikki, this video is helping me for Thanksgiving! I was going to cook ALLLLLL these new dishes lol! I was stressing already 🤦🏾‍♀️! But thank you so much! All your tips just make so much sense!

[@mekicomilligan8285]

Thanks for sharing, these tips are so helpful?

[@MaeFlower2019]

Nikki!…I am SO glad you mentioned the “taking your shoes off”. I have such a hard time with that. I don’t have a hard time telling my own family. But with just moving into our new home we just finished building after losing our other forever home to a fire…I have invested in an extremely nice rug…very light in color…it matches my home and furnishings perfectly!!!!! I specifically do not want shoes on it!!! I do not know how to go about that and not be offensive. Also…workers still have to come from time to time and just like about two days ago….the plumbers had to come see about something in my shower….they wore their muddy boots into my house, through my bedroom, and into my shower…I had to scrub mud off of my shower after they left..I was almost in tears with this….my husband is an electrician. I asked him how he handles going into homes where people may already live. He said he automatically takes his boots off…but that how a lot of people aren’t like that. I just struggle with that.

[@calisongbird]

Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@marthaneudorf1899]

In Canada (where I live) it's considered rude not to remove your footwear at the door. It sure helps to keep your home cleaner and safer for a crawling toddler who is constantly putting their hands in their mouth.

[@marthapetersen435]

Amazing tips. Thanks so much!

[@charityduncan9614]

You shared all the tips I need. You are Amazing

[@patrick8937]

im so nervous nikki ive never had a job like this before but i start today

[@patriciastricklen882]

Hello Nikki, thank you for the all the Holiday tips. Blessings ❤

[@latanyaanthony3443]

Thanks so much for sharing, I certainly needed a refresher in this area 😊👍🏽🥰.

[@cindyjones520]

Really great tips and ideas! Thank you very much.

[@thebusybees2006]

Thanks for the video

[@alex_la_fantastica1632]

Great tips thank you❤

[@AndreaGomez-fk8hb]

Thanks Nikki. Love your channel

[@deniseharrell1591]

You look so good in green! I love your videos. Good job!

[@brendathompson2503]

All great tips. Thanks for sharing😘

[@lifetothefull4861]

so good thank you!

[@elegantlivingwithlorna]

Great tips to take the stress out of the holidays!

[@ellalillard6418]

Thanks for the tips beautiful lady ❤

[@faithtvonline]

You don't eat RICE??? 😲😲😲 It's only shocking for me because my family had rice available multiple nights a week growing up. I still love rice! (I've learned something new about you today, and I've been watching you for four years.)

[@ndgrandma1818]

Thanks for another great video, Nikki! Great tips!

[@kyanalewis7852]

Love the tips ! They are so useful, thank you!

[@ExtraordinaryTrading]

Great tips, Nikki!

[@tiarrab.8267]

This was SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@beautifulandsweet8826]

Thank you. Great tips and very useful.

[@calisongbird]

I liked most of her tips. But… Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? Also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox? And unattended candles in bathrooms are a fire hazard.

[@lindaingram7934]

Great tips.

[@godsbuckets]

Great advice! Love how you encouraged the taking off of the shoes!

[@calisongbird]

Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@labrown8971]

Great helpful advice

[@terrycallejo3804]

Great tips! and you look lovely in that shade of green!

[@patiogardner7288]

Excellent tips!

[@Justheavenlyflowers]

Great tips Nikki! Thank you, I think that these tips will really help me this year with my entertaining plans! Keep up the good work, yours in one of my favourite channels xx

[@jacqueline7974]

Thank you Nikki for the great tips! I love your style and content. Happy Holidays!

[@maureenmccrackin6933]

Great tips!

[@gs-vg8uf]

Love this series! ❤

[@rachelking7002]

Great tips

[@judyswwlifestyle9904]

I have enjoyed you sooo much … thanks ❤been a follower since the beginning

[@biabolada]

I know is kind of obvious, but make sure to have a hand towel, a lot of soap and toilet paper in your bathroom. Also, to keep the bathroom smelling good, put a few drops of essencial oil in the toilet paper roll

[@thetraveler5822]

Aaahhh I’m glad I caught you!!

[@SUN7SHINE25]

Its not you Nikki it's the music at certain places and homes TO LOUD I don't like the loud music either!! especially out to eat Thanks for all the necessary tips I enjoyed listening they helped me Nikki 🤗⚘😊

[@johnroekoek12345]

My mom puts house slippers for the guests near the door.

[@calisongbird]

Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? Also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@mrssmurf55]

I can't believe I never thought of putting candles in my bathrooms before definitely doing this at Christmas.

[@calisongbird]

Unattended candles are a serious fire hazard, unfortunately.

[@justicesmith1934]

You have made decorating and entertaining a pleasure to watch. All your tips and examples are amazing and very relatable and help out so much and for that I say thank you for all your help.

[@Freundlichenachricht]

How can I mingle with the guests, when I have to check, that the dishwasher is filled all the time, because I have a small open kitchen where the guests are getting the food ( buffet on the countertops), have to check that the towels are clean in the guest bathroom, because there are teenagers and the towels are getting wet and the toilets are left with „Marks“....

[@patiogardner7288]

Tips!

[@janarichards5511]

How do you accommodate people with foot problems? My friend has had 7 surgeries on her feet and cannot go without shoes, and I wear custom made shoes because of my feet.

[@calisongbird]

Exactly!! You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people.

[@cjackson6233]

Hi Nikki, I was wondering how to handle having a shoe free home and guests going out in the back yard. That is always a difficult thing for me when entertaining. Do your guests go outside with their slippers or do you require them to don their shoes? Maybe someone else can give me advice on this conundrum. Thank you so much.

[@praxis0214]

I would be so bummed if I had to take off my shoes! They’re part of the ensemble! 😂

[@patdennis2586]

I use a “No Shoes inside” sign on the door leading from the backyard/outside into the house. Be sure to have a large rug or mat where folks can leave their shoes.

[@eileenwatt8283]

Purchase shoe covers. Leave some at the back door with a sign " please take a pair..cover your shoes before entering ". Or something of that nature. A person who removes their shoes before entering their own home will retrieve their shoes and put them on outside then remove them to reenter.

[@NaturalDrAmanda]

What about offering flip flops to guests out back?

[@calisongbird]

@@patdennis2586 Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@sandylfgrubb]

What do you do with that person who does not / will not remove their shoes? They just don't want to take their shoes off. ( I have offered slippers, etc., but they just want to keep their own shoes on)

[@calisongbird]

Sorry - You cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox?

[@SheittaHerr]

Why keep it small

[@lauriebertrand9319]

Great tips! Nice to hear there’s another non rice eater. We are rare! 😂

[@mercedesyoung5906]

Great

[@Freundlichenachricht]

Someone else finding it anoying, when your guests want to help in the kitchen. I do not like that; because I am doing things a certain way, know where to put items in my kitchen

[@thejoshsings9280]

Hello there

[@euge.sosa.b]

Asking people to take their shoes off is so awkward for me !!!

[@laurawolf9613]

🥰

[@calisongbird]

I liked most of these tips but…. Sorry - you cannot dictate that people remove their shoes if they don’t want to. Many people, especially older people, have orthopedic issues that require they wear supportive shoes. My husband and MIL are two such people. Maybe disposable shoe covers? But also, do people who insist on no shoes own pets? If so, are they constantly wiping their paws, especially after walks or after using the litterbox? Also as someone else said - no unattended candles, such as in bathrooms. They’re unsafe, a serious fire hazard.