Blog Post Title One

Thank you for joining me at The Truitt House this evening.
Hosting is my love language, and it means so much to share what I’ve learned — from simple beginnings to hosting in this beautiful old house that practically begs for a party. I hope these notes and links help you carry that same spirit of warmth, intention, and confidence into your own home.

Hosting with Intention
Not everything needs to be perfect, but everything should feel considered — even the last-minute decisions.
• Your home doesn’t need to sparkle; it just needs to feel loved.
• Confidence is contagious — relaxed hostess, relaxed guests.
• Perfection is overrated; presence is everything. (Don’t take yourself too seriously.)
• Pause and soak it in. You created this moment.

The Invitation
Your invitation sets the tone — it’s the first hospitality moment.
• Pretty invites make people happy.
• And do use Paperless Post — it does all the heavy lifting and keeps RSVPs and messaging in one spot.

Arrival Energy
People decide how the night will feel before they’ve hung up their coat.
• Make the entryway look intentional.
• Light a candle with a “what IS that?” scent.
• Start the music before the people.
• Provide a landing zone for coats, purses, and that surprise bottle of wine.

The Welcome Drink
Hand someone a drink at the door and everyone instantly relaxes — including you.
• Pour the first round before the doorbell rings.
• Your non-alcoholic option goes in a wine glass — of course.
• Self-serve for small groups; assign help for larger ones.
• The goal: no empty hands and no awkward hovering.

Keep Them Out of the Kitchen
Unless the kitchen is spotless, redirect with intention.
• Make the living room more inviting than the dishwasher corner.
• Use lamps, music, and angled chairs to pull people in.
• Guests go where the energy is — you control the energy.

Appetizers: Passed or Parked
Snacks don’t need to be fancy — just friendly.
• One-bite items save everyone from awkward chewing.
• A nibble board makes strangers feel like friends.
• Always have peanuts and snack mix on hand.
• Emergency pizza still counts as hospitality.

Dinner Party Mechanics
A tiny bit of structure makes everything feel effortless.
• Use place cards for 8+ guests — it .
• Soup at the plate + entrée buffet = elegant and easy.
• Plated service works if it sparks joy.
• Decide who’s refilling wine before dinner starts.

Dessert Without Drama
Dessert should be the exhale, not the encore.
• Affogato = fancy without trying.
• Last Crumb cookies = “I planned this, I promise.”
• Simple dessert = happier hostess.

Protect the After-Dinner Magic
The quickest way to kill a great conversation is by clearing too soon.
• Don’t stand up with a stack of plates.
• Move to the living room if you have no help.
• Let the dishes think about their behavior until morning.

Flowers & Centerpieces
Use what you have — your yard is your florist.
• Magnolia and camellia fix almost anything.
• Orchids last forever and forgive everything.
• A new vessel = a new arrangement.
• One bloom on a nibble board = instant Southern charm.