Hosting Essentials

Summer is right around the corner, and that means – Summer Hosting!  It’s no secret that I love to host a good party. I truly enjoy gathering people in my home and watching everyone interact. I also love creating and designing the décor - the little details really amplify the guests experience. But most of all, I enjoy bringing all the pieces together from the flavors in the food, to the refreshments and wine pairings to the party favors, really creating something my guests will remember. 

Below is list of hosting essentials you need on hand when planning a party or gathering.

Serving Platters

My favorite place to get serving platters is HomeGoods. They have a great variety of serve ware so you can find something for every occasion. When shopping, look for different sizes. You will need a variety of sizes depending on what you are serving. Smaller platters for appetizers and larger platters for family style dining. 

Cake Stands

You can use these for several different things – not just cake! I like to put cheese or appetizers on cake stands to add some height to my countertop. I also like variety in height as well. It’s nice to have some low and high cake stands so you can use them through your hosting spread. I like these from Crate & Barrel and CB2.

Beverage Pitchers or Dispensers 

I love creating a signature drink that is easy and delicious to serve. Beverage Dispensers make it so easy for guest to enjoy and low maintenance for the host, and don’t forget about a water station! I like this dispenser from Crate & Barrel.

Glassware

I like to keep beverage options simple when hosting (depending on size of party), but I like to provide the right glassware for the occasion as well. If we are hosting a sit-down dinner, I’ll choose to use my fancier stemmed wine glasses or if we are having a more causal event outside, I’ll use my plastic glassware.

Cocktail Napkins 

An obvious must. I look for unique ones and stock up when I can, so I have a good variety to choose from. 

Candles or Essential Oils

No matter who is coming over to my house, I either have a candle burring or a diffuser running. I choose between seasonal scents or citrus flavors. Nothing is more welcoming the scent of fresh aromas.

Décor 

Décor helps set the tone for your event. Whether your hosting a birthday party, holiday gathering or spring brunch, your décor will help bring it to life. My go to décor pieces:

• Florals: I either do something easy from a local market or order for a local florist.

• Tabletop: Candles, candle holders, runners, napkins, vases (variety of sizes) and linens. 

• Straws

• Stemless Wine Glasses or Plastic Stemless Wine Glasses

• Balloons and/or Steamers 

• Party Favors 

Additional Tips for Hosting:

• Make sure the trash is taken out BEFORE your guest arrive and that you have designated an area for trash to go during the event.  

• Make sure to have ice on hand – and extra if you're hosting in the spring or summer. 

• Separate the booze and food. People gravitate to the booze and food. So, it’s great if you designate a place for each to create flow between the two spaces. 

• Make sure to communicate the tone or theme of the event to your guests, so they know what to except when they arrive. 

• Prep as much as you can before – I hate running around an hour before guest arrive. So, I try and prep my décor and most food items the day before, so the day-of I can prep beverages and enjoy the party. 

• Plan your menu around what is in season. Seasonal dishes and beverage also help tie in themes. 

• Don’t forget the mocktail! It is nice to provide a non-alcoholic option for your guest to enjoy.

• Maybe a bit old school, but I’ve never hosted an event where someone didn’t ask for a cup a coffee. Depending on the time of your event, it’s nice to have a fresh pot of coffee brewed in case guest want a cup. 

My Morning Routine

I believe having a solid morning routine is essential for a productive day and healthy lifestyle. I remember when my morning routine started to take shape. I was 25 and working as an Event Director for a startup company. I remember thinking I was already behind when I opened my eyes in the morning - even though I worked in bed until 11pm the night before. So, I started to create a better morning routine that helped set me up for success. It really started with getting up earlier, which meant going to bed earlier and then taking better care of myself (body and mind). Suddenly my mornings felt less daunting and my days felt more productive. I’ve outlined my morning routine below - Keep in mind this ALL happens before I look emails, take a calls or look at social media. Enjoy!

Set an Alarm 

Depending on what you want to accomplish before you officially start the day, set an alarm that allows you enough time to get it all in. I set my alarm for 6:30 am and my office hours start between 9-9:30 am.

Lemon Water

I’ve been following this routine for years and I can’t tell you enough how much it impacts my day. Lemon water helps detoxify and hydrates your body quickly. I try and drink at least 30 oz of water before anything else to get hydrated before the day starts. I also take a daily probiotic and multivitamin – Favs here: Women’s Raw Probiotic & Ritual Multivitamin

Sweat

For me, if it doesn’t happen in the morning it likely won’t happen. I like to mix it up my workouts between spin class (Peloton is my in home go-to) or a live yoga or barre class, and then mixing in strengthen training once or twice a week. Moving my body first thing in the morning helps wake up my mind and keeps me motivated for the day ahead.

Get Dressed

Obvious right? But really, take a shower and put on work clothes. Work attire has evolved and has become much more casual, but I still don’t allow ripped jeans, leggings or sandals in my work wardrobe. I like to stick to clean dress pant and comfortable blouses. I love to layer – So I mix in blazers, jackets, sweaters, etc. Over the years, I have built a work capsule that I turn to. It makes getting dressed quick and conveniently thoughtless.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast 

Again, kind of obvious, but often overlooked. When I was younger, I used to rush out the door with a yogurt or skip breakfast all together. As I grew up, I realized breakfast is the most important meal of the day and one of the only meals you can control with a hectic work schedule. I try and load up on nutrients to set me up for the day. Here are a few of my favorite go to recipes: 

• Veggie Egg Scramble (2 eggs, handful of spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle cheese) 

• Oat Night Oats (fav recipe here - Tone It Up)

• Avocado Toast (GF toast, 1 fried egg w/sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper) 

• Smoothies (Love Daily Harvest! I add a scoop of protein and flaxseed)

Coffee to Go 

The true key for success! My husband religiously makes drip coffee every morning (bless his heart), so I pour a BIG cup and hit the road. I usually have 1 cup in the morning and then another decaf in the afternoon. Most mornings, I drop in a scoop of Collagen Peptides. Fav brand here: Vital Proteins

How To Stay Productive During COVID-19

Being locked down and stuck at home during this time is no fun, and certainly not ideal when it comes to running a business and juggling our client events. I’ll admit, I am not one to embrace an open schedule; I’m usually very go-go-go and I thrive in that environment. But with the recent developments of COVID-19 we have been forced to stay home and try to stay busy.  So I wanted to share some ideas to keep you productive and focused during this time. It will pass and life will resume back to normal – we just have to take it one day at a time. #eventprofs

Extended Learning 

I have about a zillion ‘blogs to read’ or ‘webinars to listen to’ saved on my computer. Now we have time! Each morning, when I get to my computer, I try to allow for 30 minutes to read a blog or listen into a webinar or podcast. Often times look on Skillshare for quick classes I can take to sharpen my skills – Excel 101 anyone? 

Sweat

Again, we have a bit more time now, so why miss a workout? It’s tough being stuck at home but I find great workouts on YouTube, Instagram and thankfully we have a Peloton – Literally (minus COVID-19) I ride it 3+ times a week. 

Make a ‘new’ Schedule

This has been very helpful for me – and let’s admit, things are a little different these days. Making a new schedule helps me organize my days with productive tasks and not get pulled into the news or random E! shows. I outline the schedule by key things I want to get done – sweat, walk the dog, do some laundry, etc. and then fill it in with client calls, emails, zoom meetings, etc. 

Do Everything You’ve Been Putting Off

I don’t know about you, but I have several items on my to-do list that have been sitting there for months. So, I’m trying to knock some off while I have time. Really no excuses now. 

Connect with Family 

Even though we aren’t supposed to gather in groups, I have time to make a quick phone call to my mom or actually sit and talk with my husband. Seems simple but the power of human connection is very real. FaceTime happy hours are really the new trend!

Catch Up On Zzzz’s 

Usually I’m up by 6:30am, but lately I’ve allowed myself a bit of grace here. I don’t set an alarm unless I have something scheduled. It allows for a slower start to my morning and a few more minutes of sleep, which never hurt anyone!

Update Your Admin Documents 

Contracts and Invoicing – The fun and sexy stuff, right? No, but it needs to be done. So why not review and make updates when you have the time!?

Deep Clean Your Office

It’s never too early to spring clean. I’ve started tossing and recycling so much unwanted paper and clutter – Already feels SO good and spacious!

Finish a Home Project 

I’ve had a couple projects that I’ve had on the list for months so I’m planning on tackling two things this week: Gallery Wall and the Garage Clean Out (wish me luck!)

Write a Blog 

I go through phases with blogging. Sometimes I feel like I have creative ideas to put on paper and other times nothing. But since we have some down time, use your thoughts or silence to get creative! 

Get Outside 

Fresh air does wonders for the mind and soul. We have 7-month old pup, so it is an easy excuse for me to get him outside for a walk but it’s also a great chance for me to unplug and enjoy the fresh air. 

Embrace It

I know, it’s a challenging mentally. I am trying my hardest to keep a positive mindset and to embrace this time. I’ve been trying to think of this time as moment to pause and reset. Whether that is focus on work, family, relationships, self-reflection or all of the above. I think now is an unscripted moment in time. Where we rarely have the opportunity to actually unplug, reflect and connect. So try to embrace it.

Stay healthy everyone! #theshowmustgoon

xo, Kayla

Event Planning Tips

Kayla Cook Events specializes in event management and production. We’ve worked on small corporate events, festival VIP lounges and large scale 4,000+ person business conferences. No matter the size, scope or budget we follow a very specific blueprint for planning and executing events. 

Do The Research 

When we first meet with the client, we ask and identify these important event deliverables. It’s important to build a solid foundation with this information in order to understand how the event (and your client) will be successful. 

·      What are the Event Goals?

·      What is the Event Budget?

·      Who is the Audience and Stakeholders?

·      What are the Event KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)?

Build The Team 

We work very close with our clients to understand the mission and vison of the event. From there, we outline what partners and vendors we need to execute. It’s also very important to build strong relationships within the event industry so you have a skilled professional network to tap into. We have a preferred vendor list for both our corporate and social clients. 

Communication & Organization 

We believe very strongly that excellent communication and organization are essential for a successful event. You need to be able to communicate details, expectations, key dates, vendor information, etc. to make sure all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to event specifics. There are some great management tools that make the management of information easy. A few of our favorites: Basecamp, Asana and Trello. 

Promoting The Event 

Whether you are sending invites or securing media and advertising, it’s curial to have a solid marketing plan for your event. First, we outline a workback schedule and goals for attendance. Based on the budget you’ve confirmed, we look into paid social options and incorporating that with our email campaign. It’s also very important that your branding and messaging is clear and direct – What is your call to action? We’ve worked with numerous clients that come to us with very mixed messages and our best advice is to remove the fluff and directly ask for what you want. 

Finalize the Details

One of the last steps, finalizing your onsite details and building a run of show. We like to host a few production meetings leading up to the event with our key vendors. This is vital to align everyone and make sure everyone is crystal clear on details and expectations onsite. 

The Event Debrief

Very important and commonly overlooked. Hosting a debrief meeting post-event with your client is crucial in gaining valuable feedback from them on the success of the event. Where the event goals met, did we stay on budget, where leads generated, is the client happy, etc.? Gathering feedback post-event, positive or negative, will help strengthen management skills for future events.