The Essential Guide to Hosting Last-Minute Guests: What Every Hostess Should Have On-Hand

Whether it's a surprise visit from a friend, an impromptu gathering after work, or a last-minute dinner party, being prepared to entertain guests at a moment's notice is a mark of a gracious hostess. Having a few key essentials on hand can make hosting last-minute guests a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your visitors. In this guide, we'll explore the must-have items that every hostess should keep stocked in her home for impromptu entertaining. Of course this list isn't exhaustive, but hopefully it will help you stay one-step-ahead as the "hostess-with-the-mostest," even in a pinch!

1. Refreshments: Food: One of the first things to consider when hosting last-minute guests is refreshments. Stocking your pantry and fridge with a selection of versatile and easy-to-prepare items is essential. Some staples to have on hand include a variety of teas and coffees, a selection of wines and spirits, crackers, cheese, nuts, olives, and fresh fruits. Additionally, keeping a few easy appetizer ingredients like hummus, pita bread, and pre-cut veggies can help you quickly put together a simple yet satisfying spread for your guests. Here is a list of my go-to pantry, fridge and freezer items that make it easy to serve-up a quick bite for guests. Note, many of these items don't expire immediately, so you can keep them on-hand, should a surprise guest stop by. No need to run out to the store necessarily!

• A Nice Box of Mixed Crackers (to go with some of the spreads below): I like these Entertaining Crackers from Whole Foods

• Cream Cheese (the block) and Pepper Jelly (you literally just pull out the block of cream cheese and allow to soften a bit at room temp on a nice plate, cover it in pepper jelly and serve with crackers): I love this Hot Pepper Jelly from Stonewall Kitchen

• Cheese Straws (a southern pantry staple): The Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory cheese straws are delicious

• Roasted Nuts: The sky is the limit here, but something similar to these Gourmet Honey Roasted Cashews are great to keep on your bar or in your pantry
• Brie (in the round), Apricot Jelly and Pillsbury Croissant Dough: Wrap the brie in the croissant dough and bake in one of these Brie Bakers, cover with apricot jelly and serve with crackers. These items can last a while in the fridge, so you can keep on-hand for a last-minute appetizer. It tastes like a dessert in my opinion!
• Trader Joe's is a great source for frozen appetizer options. I often buy a couple boxes of the following items and keep them in my garage freezer to pull-out when I'm in a pinch for something to serve that requires almost no prep (just baking)! These are my favorites: Mini Tacos, Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions, Mini Quiche Duo, Pastry Pups (boujee pigs-in-a-blanket)
• Last but not least is a basic cheese/meat board. There are so many options for this, but if you look for cheese (and cured meat) that doesn't expire quickly, you can keep it on-hand to use at a moment's notice. Here's a basic list of what you need for a simple but delicious cheese board: A hard cheddar (I love Trader's Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese (sliced)), Manchego (sliced), French Brie (whole), Gouda (crumbled), Salami (folded up), Prosciutto (rolled or folded up), Pitted Greek Olives, Cornichon Pickles, Fig Jam, Dried Fruit (I like apricots), Nuts (I like Spanish almonds) and a mix of various crackers. This Mudpie Charcuterie Board literally spells out what you need and where to put it!

2. Refreshments: Drink: In addition to a stocked pantry, every southern hostess needs a stocked bar. I love the quote from "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" that says: "If you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, "What's your business?" In Macon they ask, "Where do you go to church?" In Augusta they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah the first question people ask you is "What would you like to drink?" I really do need to move to Savannah- ha! Nothing makes people feel more welcome than offering them a drink. Now, that drink doesn't have to be alcoholic, but should your guest desire a cocktail, you'd best be ready. Stocking your home bar with a variety of liquor and mixer essentials can help you create a wide range of delicious cocktails and drinks for yourself and your guests. Here's a list of some essential liquors and mixers to consider having on hand:

• Vodka: A versatile spirit that can be used in a wide variety of cocktails, from martinis to mules to Bloody Marys.

• Gin: Essential for classic cocktails like the gin and tonic, as well as more modern creations like the gimlet or the negroni.

• Rum: Both light and dark rum can be essential for creating tropical drinks, daiquiris, mojitos, and classic cocktails like the mai tai, dark and stormy.

• Tequila: An essential for margaritas, tequila sunrises, and other popular cocktails- aka, my personal favorite- Ranch Water (tequila, soda water and lime juice).

• Whiskey (Bourbon, Scotch, Rye): A staple for classic cocktails like the old fashioned, whiskey sour, and the Manhattan.
• Beer, Wine, Champagne, Prosecco: There are SO many options here, but I keep a few bottles of red and white wine in our bar area as well as some glass bottles of light beer chilled in our drink fridge. We don't drink every night in our home, but I'm always ready to offer beer and wine to guests. I'm not a huge fan of "bubbles," but I also keep a bottle of champagne in the bar that's ready to chill should we need it.

• Triple Sec: Often used in margaritas and cosmopolitans, as well as other citrusy cocktails.

• Vermouth (Sweet and Dry): Essential for classic cocktails like the martini and the Manhattan.
• An even easier way to make your guests a cocktail is to keep your favorite pre-mixed beverages on-hand. I personally love all the 21 Seeds Flavors (I always add a tad more tequila to them) and I've recently enjoyed J. Lo's new cocktail Delola Paloma Rosa Spritz, that I also "doctor" with a bit more tequila.

Mixers and Other Essentials:

• Tonic Water: Essential for gin and tonics and other fizzy drinks.
• Soda Water: A versatile mixer for highballs and spritzers.
• Cola: A staple for classic cocktails like the rum and coke or the whiskey and cola.
• Ginger Beer: Essential for Moscow mules and other ginger-flavored cocktails.
• Cranberry Juice: Used in popular cocktails like the vodka cranberry and the sea breeze.
• Simple Syrup: Essential for sweetening cocktails and balancing flavors.
• Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Limes, Oranges): Fresh citrus is essential for garnishes and for adding a pop of acidity to cocktails.

With these liquors and mixers on hand, you'll be well-equipped to mix up a wide variety of classic cocktails and modern creations for yourself and your guests. Additionally, don't forget to include a few non-alcoholic options like fruit juices, sodas, and tonic water for those who prefer not to drink alcohol. I'm a huge fan of Topo Chico sparkling water, so we keep our fridge stocked with regular and lime flavored glass bottles, which make for a fun non-alcoholic beverage. Cheers!

3. Tableware and Serveware: Having an assortment of tableware and serveware readily available can save you from scrambling to set the table when guests arrive. Keep a stock of versatile plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery that can be easily mixed and matched (if you've been following me a while, you most likely already have a great collection to work with). Invest in a few serving platters, bowls, and trays that can be used for presenting snacks and appetizers. The sky is the limit here, but nothing beats white ceramic serving pieces, especially if you're just starting to build out your inventory. Invest in a variety of sizes if you enjoy hosting, as you will find a use for them all over time. This cluster bowl make throwing snacks or candy together look chic without any styling skills needed. And don't forget paper cocktail napkins. Of course I love a linen cocktail napkin, but for ease and convenience, paper works great. From cheeky to chic, I think the more you have, the better. I basically collect them, as I buy them anytime I find a set I like, and I keep them stored in my bar. I have pretty holiday options, nice basic options for every day use, and funny gals' night options. It's an affordable personal item to keep on-hand to serve with cocktails or appetizers when guests show up. Caspari and Hester and Cook offer a beautiful selection of paper cocktail napkins and hand towels (don't forget to stock-up for your powder bath's too). And for those who like a laugh: Shannon Martin has some great cocktail napkins that also make for a fun hostess gift.

4. Ambient Lighting: Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is key to making your guests feel welcome. Stock up on a few sets of unscented candles for the table (no-no to scented candles where food is served/consumed), and some fragrant candles to put around the house. If you don't have time to order flower arrangements or make one yourself, a cluster of candles as a centerpiece works great for last-minute decor. When I have company coming over, I light a lightly-scented candle in my living room and entry hall at least half an hour before they arrive. A good candle makes a space "smell" welcoming the moment guests step over your threshold.

5. Entertainment Options: Being able to provide entertainment for your guests, whether it's through music, games, or a good movie, can help ensure that everyone has a good time. Keep a selection of background music playlists ready to play (I love the Spotify radio stations "Jack Johnson," "Frank Sinatra" and "Michael Buble"), and consider having a few board games or decks of cards on hand for impromptu fun. Depending on the crowd, Cards Against Humanity (VERY cheeky) can be a blast (you need to know your company well IMO) and What Do You Meme? can be very fun to play with a group. If you have a streaming service, having a list of favorite movies or TV shows ready to suggest can also be a great way to entertain your guests (this is more for those who are staying overnight in your guest room).

Conclusion: Being a great hostess is about more than just the ability to throw a planned party; it's also about being able to graciously welcome unexpected guests into your home. By keeping these essential items on hand, you can be prepared to entertain last-minute visitors with ease and style. With a well-stocked pantry, versatile tableware, ambient lighting, and entertainment options, you'll be ready to host impromptu gatherings at a moment's notice, ensuring that both you and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable time together.