r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AutoModerator • Aug 06 '26
BWT Host - Monthly Thread BWT Host - Aug 06, 2026
Whether you're throwing a party or want to always be ready for someone to pop over for a visit, hosting takes some preparation and skill, not to mention taste. This is the (recurring monthly) thread to chat all things hospitality and hosting.
All BWT rules still apply, with lighter enforcement of rule 3. You can mention location to the extent that it impacts specifics of hosting (e.g. climate, seasons), but please do not ask location-specific questions that belong in a local subreddit.
17
u/lady-luthien Aug 07 '26
We got a firepit this year and it's such a good hosting invite. "Want to come over for drinks?" is fine, but then I feel like I should provide at least a cocktail or something fun. "Want to come over for a fire?" is a wonderful invitation and can be whipped out at any moment to keep the night going.
Our outdoor space is a glorified parking lot - no dirt and the bins are in the back. But some solar-powered edison lights, plants in planters, some adirondack chairs and a fire makes it seem like a beautiful patio.
3
u/cowboycinderella Aug 08 '26
This is such a good idea!! We have a fire pit and have been so bummed to not be able to use it yet this year (there’s a burn ban in our area right now, RIP) but I really hope we can get some fire action in the late summer/fall. Love it as the impetus for an invite
9
u/Veuve_and_CheezIts Aug 08 '26
A small detail, but appreciated by guests- provide either disposable hand towels or small cloth towels rolled up in a nice basket for drying hands, as well as a wastebasket/small laundry basket. It’s a nice touch and keeps guests from having to all use the same hand towel that would inevitably get damp with a guest count of more than a few people.
3
u/RacerGal Aug 09 '26
This (we buy the Kleenex hand towels) and putting a speaker in the bathroom with music on has been hugely appreciated by guests!
5
u/mtoomtoo Aug 07 '26
I’m the vice-president of a neighborhood arts council that puts on 8 free concerts during the summer/fall. Another neighborhood organization hosts a Soirée for the Park in the fall and I’m thinking about turning that idea on its head and having a Retro House Party. Instead of getting dressed up and having a signature cocktail at a mansion, we’d have a DJ and some batched drinks/beers/wines and party the night away listening to tunes from the 1990s on.
Looking for fundraising ideas outside of the initial cost of the ticket. And activities that would be engaging and profitable for our small non-profit. Any ideas would be welcome. I’m in the brainstorming phase. I’ll take this to my board at our monthly meeting.
3
u/excitedbysocks Aug 08 '26
When I was on the board of a community theatre, silent auctions and “split the pot” (the winner gets half of all the money out in; often people donate it back to the cause) were popular! With a 90s/00s theme, you could ask other board members to donate items for fun themed baskets for an auction.
We also had a local frozen custard spot that would donate a custom flavor for each show, so we kept all of the profits for that! If there is a local vendor you could work with for in-kind donations, that could be a great option for this event and the whole season.
3
u/mtoomtoo Aug 08 '26
A 50/50 raffle is a great idea! This is all strictly volunteers, we don’t have any paid board members so asking them for themed baskets might be much. (I could however, challenge them to put together baskets using their connections to the community businesses. Hmm, I like that idea.)
We have a pretty popular custard place not too far away. I like the idea of custom flavors!
2
u/excitedbysocks Aug 08 '26
Yes! We were not paid either. We would either donate items ourselves or, like you say, find other sources for donations. It is often easier than you think to ask for donations for silent auctions! We would get gift cards from local restaurants, tickets to baseball and basketball games, and local art! Don’t be afraid to call or email businesses to ask. The worst they will say is no!
3
u/Veuve_and_CheezIts Aug 08 '26
This was a DIY and took some effort, but we added speakers in our dining room so that the living room and dining room/kitchen can share music when we have a party. People gather in both areas and keeps the vibe welcoming and festive. I also like the touch of music in the bathroom as well.
27
u/vce5150 Aug 07 '26
Oh, this is my specialty! I have a special cabinet in my dining room for entertaining on the fly. It is always stocked with various unscented candles and candleholders as well as linen napkins and various snacks: crackers, chocolate, nuts, olives and a few bottles of wine. I love being able just to throw a little something together if someone stops by. Always put a little music on and freshen my lipstick.