minimalall1 hour prep, 2 hours hangoutServes 3

The First Time You Host: Three Friends, No Stress

First time hosting in your own place. The instinct is to over-do. Don't. Here is the smallest version that still feels like an event.

Steps

01Buy everything yesterday, not today. Today is for plating, not shopping.
0230 minutes before: arrange the board. Cheese in chunks, salami in folds, olives in their own small bowl.
03Light a candle (kitchen counter or table). Put music on low.
04When friends arrive, hand them a drink within 60 seconds. The first 60 seconds set the whole night.
05Sit down with them. Don't keep going to the kitchen 'to check things'. There is nothing to check.
06End at 9. Walk them to the door. Wash dishes tomorrow.

— Menu: a big board — bread, soft cheese, salami, olives, grapes. Total cost: $25. Total skill needed: zero.
— Drinks: one wine, one sparkling water with lemon. Don't have a bar.
— Time: 7pm to 9pm. Two hours is plenty for a first hosting.