A Beginner’s Guide to Hosting with Intention
Creating Meaningful, Memorable, and Intentional Hosting Occasions
Everyone loves a picture-perfect hosting moment. Along with the excitement of crafting fun welcome drinks or choosing themes to match the occasion, the intimate, behind-the-scenes moments with friends and family make hosting feel all the more fulfilling.
Your guests show up for you—and for the feeling you create. Erin, an experienced event planner, shared her perspective with us, along with practical advice for new hosts. Her mantra, “not perfection, but connection,” is a reminder to let go of the pressure and lean into the moments that make hosting special.
From Events to Intentionality: Meet Erin
"Your guests are going to remember the way you made them feel."
With a background in events, Erin knows what it takes to bring people together. Whether she’s hosting a full dinner party or a casual get-together, her goal is always the same: to create a space where guests feel welcomed, cared for, and part of something special.
Her love for hosting runs deep, inspired by generations of women in her family including her mom, sister, grandmother, and mother-in-law. One of her favourite traditions is Sunday dinner, where family members take turns hosting. For Erin, these rituals aren’t about perfection—they’re about presence.
Today, Erin is known for her beautiful tablescapes and signature cocktails—but that effortless charm was built over time, through trial, error, and a few lessons learned. The thoughtful touches that make her guests feel seen and special didn’t happen overnight. They came from experience, intention, and a love for creating meaningful moments.
What Guests Really Remember
It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but guests rarely remember what’s missing. What sticks with them is how you made them feel. Erin embraces the mindset of “what will be, will be”—a gentle reminder to focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
She also pointed out something that’s often overlooked: guests can make the host feel special too. A small thank-you text or a thoughtful gift can mean the world. As Erin puts it, if there was any chaos or stress, it’s worth it when you get that message saying, ‘thank you for bringing everyone together.’
Letting Go of Perfectionism: Erin’s Advice
“Not perfection, but connection.”
Here are a few of Erin's favourite ways to keep hosting attainable and meaningful:
- Start small—invite a few close friends
- Don’t wait for the “perfect” time—just send the text
- Keep the menu simple
- Set the table the night before
- Don’t overthink it
- Turn on music, pour a drink, and take a breath for yourself before guests arrive
- Empty the dishwasher ahead of time so clean-up feels easy
- And most importantly: embrace connection
What Will Be, Will Be
Whether it's a dinner for twelve or tea for two, releasing the pressure to be perfect allows space for something far more meaningful.
Showing up, opening your door, and letting people in—even if the candles drip or you're missing place cards—isn’t a failure; it’s the heart of hosting.
Bentlea Schwartz
A Teaspressa creative who believes in sipping with intention and celebrating the everyday. You can find her savoring her morning tea, hunting down vintage gems, or planning her next weekend escape.
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