Use What You Have At Home

Quick fixes to host on a last-minute notice

Like DIY, but better

The day comes when you’re not prepped and ready. You weren’t planning to host, and suddenly friends (or out-of-town relatives) are stopping by. You’re in a pinch—but you still want your home to look inviting and, dare we say, chic. No stress. We’ve got you covered with simple ways to decorate using what you already have at home. Consider this your go-to guide for last-minute hosting hacks. And honestly? These ideas are smart to keep on your party planning checklist for the future, too.Whether you’re pulling your space together in under an hour or planning ahead for your next gathering, these easy, sustainable styling solutions work year-round. Keep it effortless. Keep it elevated.

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Flower vases & the like

Because a bloom here and blossom there truly brighten every room.

1. Substitute flower vases

• Look around and start gathering!
• Use wine bottles, mason jars, tall drinking glasses, or empty candle glassware.
• The takeaway? You get to be creative with how you display your flowers. A few stems can instantly elevate a space—just watch out for rose thorns.‍‍

Pro Tip: Keep faux greenery, blooms, jasmine branches, or pampas grass on-hand for these circumstances. And for any day you want to nurture your pseudo-green thumb.

2. Utilize small bowls and ramekins

• Your new home for floating buds or candles
• Fill them with nuts, seeds, mints, citrus slices, or a sweet treat. It’s easy decor that doubles as functional hosting style.
• Floating tea lights in shallow bowls? Always a win for soft, ambient lighting.

3. Potato chip tins... stay with us

Your empty chip tin can do more than you think. Use it as an ice bucket, fill it with flowers, or throw the champagne in it and you are set.

4. Repurpose tin cans

• Use as flower vases, cutlery holders, rolled napkins, you name it.

Pro Tip: Wrap them in craft paper, linen ribbon, or twine and secure with tape. Hosting outdoors? Add a few pebbles to the bottom for weight if wind is a factor. Weather-ready and styled!

Table decor

Encourage eye contact and conversation with these approachable styling tricks. No oversized centerpieces blocking anyone’s view.

1. Bed sheet as a tablecloth

• Take your flat sheet, scrunch it up, arrange it in a swirled line down the table, add some candles, and consider your table dreamy. **Not to be confused with a bedside table.

2. Dish towels as placemats

• Fold them neatly. Spin them on a diagonal. Layer two textures together. Adding a little personality to each place setting makes the table feel thoughtful—even if it came together in 20 minutes.

3. Garnish with the pretty things you already have

• Ribbon: Thick and multiple varieties add a new touch to your display.
• Books: Stack them on different levels, and add the following.
• Candles: For any mood you like.
• Flowers: Obviously.
• Picture frames: Sparks table convo!

Serving ware

Not your grandmother’s fine china. 

‍1. One set

• Invest in one versatile, neutral set of serving ware that works for everything—from casual brunch to elevated dinner parties.
• Need an idea of where to start? Hint hint. 

2. Mismatched is in

• If you don't have a go-to set of flatware, lean into the mismatched theme and own it. Mix textures and colors to use what you have and flaunt your varieties of taste. 
• Glassware in different shapes and sizes can look intentional and curated—choose two to three complementary styles for the table and call it done.

3. Serving spoons

• These are the often-forgotten yet oh-so-important piece that can finalize your time to serve.
• Pick 2-3 serving spoons (or more, depending on your menu). When it’s time for generous scoops, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

We’re rooting for you. The next time guests pop by unannounced, your partner forgets to mention they invited friends over, or you simply want to elevate your space with what you already have—you’ll be more prepared than ever.

Looking for an occasion to host and make the most of these tips? From High Tea to Classic Tailgate to Safari Baby Shower, there’s something for you at Partytrick.

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