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.
