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If you’re a hostess with the mostess, then you *need* to know about the new female-founded company that’s transforming entertaining. Mostess, a kind of Birchbox for parties, sends a curated box full of products and ideas straight to your door. Each shipment (one per season) contains 5-7 handpicked and perfectly coordinated full-sized items — the Winter Box, $99, includes a plaid blanket scarf, gold cocktail shaker and porcelain coasters, to name a few — but it’s the recipes and the entertaining tips that are the real keepers.
We sat down with founder Lindsey Rose King to learn why you should always greet guests with a drink, the importance of implementing a hydration station and more of her take on modern etiquette, including why these boxes will ensure your next dinner party is the best yet.
When Lindsey is curating the items for a new season she draws inspiration from Pinterest, local shops and, wait for it, Brit + Co. The most important influence however has been the way the women in her family entertain. “It’s not necessarily elaborate or well-planned. I have a huge, sprawling family, and things get crazy!” she tells us. “But I always walk away from gatherings feeling warm and welcomed. I want Mostess to help modern hosts create that same experience for any guest in their home.”
In fact, Lindsey has just three simple tips to pulling off a party with ease. Number one: Create a hydration station. “Always keep sparkling or ice water on display, which makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. It’s a kind and thoughtful gesture,” she says. But when your guests arrive, make sure to always offer a more adult variety. “This takes the pressure of navigating a drink off your guests and gives you some control over the social setting,” Lindsey says. “From here, you can easily strike up a conversation while getting them their drink while seamlessly introducing them to the rest of your guests.”
Second, she recommends having snacks galore, even if it’s as simple as a bowl of nuts on the coffee table. Lastly, don’t neglect your party space. Whether it’s fluffing up the pillows on your couch, rearranging your coffee table decor or adding a few candles to the mix, these minor details will reinvigorate the area and make you feel proud of your space.
But there is one etiquette rule that Lindsey says you can definitely break: the dreaded 30-days-to-send-a-thank-you-note. “I believe it ‘s never too late to say thanks,” she says. “Of course you meant to jot off a note, but hey, stuff happens! I believe you should go ahead — no matter how long after.”
For more innovative entertaining ideas check out our Pinterest @BritandCo!
(Photos via Mostess)
