I aspire to be a good hostess.

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It's the little details that make my guests feel warm and welcome.

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Simple things, like edible flowers frozen in ice blocks for their drinks. Small bowls of snacks laid around the home and flowers everywhere.

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It doesn't have to be big, but it must be thoughtful. You want your guests to know you've been thinking of them, and nothing was last minute.

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Intentionality is everything.

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I've been loving playing hostess for most of my life. I used to make my friends after school snacks (mostly oatmeal with heapings of sugar), or host "formal nights" in my primary school years, where I would make everyone dress up and do their hair to enjoy a formal dinner at my home. As I grew up, I always put my hand up for 'pre-gaming' at my apartment, while providing buckets of ice, chips and always something homemade and yummy.
I wanted people to feel loved and special.

I still keep this passion alive, hosting thanksgiving dinner every year, which has grown to a guest list of 30+, as well as hosting a huge community Christmas Party (all are welcome), with Santa, BBQ and so much pool fun. We lay picnic blankets all over the lawn so guests can relax, scatter outdoor games amongst the blankets, drinks stations everywhere (think QLD summer heat) and decorate with flowers and greenery clippings in bouquets and vases everywhere. It's easy really, just takes some planning.

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To be a good hostess is at times a thankless endeavour, however, if you want to be a generous guest, come with a gift. Whether that be a small token bottle of champs, or something more specific for your host. Consider this list your cheat sheet. It will guarantee you a second invite.

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Shop the edit:

Heaven Mayhem Baby Knot Earrings via @heavenmayhem | Sophie Lou Jacobsen Cosmo Coupe via @sophieloujacobsen | Marble seasoning containers | Brass pepper and salt grinder | Mexican hand-blown shot glasses in smoke | Maison Balzac scrolled dessert spoons via @maisonbalzacparis | Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara | Curved marble tray | Metallic repellent fans for outdoor dining | HexClad hybrid non-stick frying pan via @hexclad | Unbreakable outdoor glassware | Le Creuset cast-iron casserole in coastal blue via @lecreuset

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