While planning a get-together, there can sometimes be a tendency to stress about things like food or decor, but those details serve as a distraction from why someone is hosting a gathering in the first place. Instead, it’s the job of one person – a host – to help facilitate those connections and to create a memorable experience for guests.

Give your gathering a specific purpose

Clarify your gathering’s purpose to avoid conflating the category birthday party with purpose (e.g. to surround yourself with the people who bring out the best in you).

  • A purpose doesn’t have to be serious – simply adding an intention can begin to shape the group’s experience.

Don’t under-host and practice generous authority

The most meaningful gatherings tend to be run by “generous authority”

  • This is about striking a balance between warmth and order
  • Protect your guests from boredom and from each other
  • Connect your guests
  • Make sure everyone feels like they are part of the family
  • Equalize your guests

Think about your guest list

Group size matters

  • It can fundamentally affect people’s behavior, and there’s actual science to it
  • When it comes to deciding the specific people to invite, there can be a lot of anxiety
  • If you’re worried about excluding someone, host more
  • Decide a clear purpose behind your gathering

Set expectations in your invite

Give your gathering a name and make the purpose clear – whether it’s catching up with old friends or welcoming new ones to the neighborhood.

  • This helps people understand the temporary world you’re building and you’re inviting them into for a specific moment in time.

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