A guide to reopening your home for guests

A guide to reopening your home for guests

Communication, flexibility and open spaces help make sure that things go smoothly

15.11.2021

When Covid-19 put an abrupt halt to social gatherings, many homes were reconfigured to encompass study areas and home offices. And while restrictions are easing, guests, like hosts, are grappling with a somewhat changed social terrain.

Hugs or handshakes? Dining tables or balconies? Because the pandemic isn’t over and comfort levels vary, etiquette and home experts agree that communication, flexibility and compassion are key to making sure things go smoothly. Here are a few tips:

Always ask first

“While some people have jumped right back to hugs and handshakes, others aren’t quite there yet, so it’s very important to ask people about things first, and respect differing comfort levels,” says Lizzie Post, co-president of the US-based The Emily Post Institute. “Ask ‘Is a hug OK?’ If it’s not, express that friendliness and enthusiasm with words,” she says.

Touch base with guests before the gathering. Let them know how many people will be there and where you’ll be gathering. People are returning to social gatherings at different paces, and that allows guests to prepare accordingly.

Amy Panos, home editor for Better Homes and Gardens, adds: “Don’t hesitate to get specific, like ‘Everyone who’s invited is vaccinated so no need for masks’, or, ‘We have kids, so let’s mask up when possible’.”

Less is more

Where guest lists are concerned, experts agree that it’s a good idea to start small. Consider a smaller guest list in the first few forays to test the waters, then tweak your approach as you go along.

Take the party outdoors

Instead of piling onto the couch or squeezing around a dining table, as people did before the pandemic, these days, people tend to be more comfortable if they’re able to spread out.

“If you have the space, this may be the time to invest in stackable stools or chairs to keep handy so people can spread out comfortably. And keep the windows open if you can,” Panos says.

As Martha Stewart Living style director Tanya Graff says, “We have become pros at doing everything outside. If you can entertain as much as possible outside, I would continue to do that.”

Tidy up

While it’s not necessary to dismantle pandemic-configured home offices, you'll want to tidy things up, especially in areas where you will be entertaining.

“Any time you will be inviting people over, make sure you have a nice, clean, available space. If your living room is also an office, office things should be cleared away. Get the space ready for guests,” says Post.

Embrace individual portions

Skip the dip and any dishes where guests may need to share. “Make sure everything has serving utensils and no one has to use their hands with things,” Graff says.

Setups that allow guests to serve themselves are also popular now.

— AP