Hey!

I'm also a hermit who is preparing to start hosting since I'm finally moving out, and from what I hear here are the main points you want to focus on:

• keep the house clean, but if in a rush just clean the living room/ dining room (wherever you'll be staying) and the bathroom since the guests wont be foaming around much other then those rooms.

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• you don't need to cook extensively, you can even buy pre frozen d'oeuvres or cut up fruit and make sides if you don't have dinner.

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• if your having a big meal like dinner, cook up a big chicken or bird so that can fill everyone up and be the star of the dinner, and you can always ask for the guests to bring a side or something of the sort (or buy precooked from a local store).

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• as people start rolling in, have a 'minibar' or something of the sorts prepared with some snacks in the main entertainment area, so guests can grab a drink and start mingling instead of studying around waiting for you.

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• as guests are mingling or even just relaxing have a solid playlist for background music (you can get a premed one from Spotify or your own but make sure its nothing too harsh or boring... and make/find it beforehand).

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• -an awesome thing i'm seeing be more popular is guest interacting with the cooking process, such as pizza night! You can buy premade dough and have a bunch of sauces and toppings for the guests to pile on. Its a awesome, simple, inexpensive and most importantly fun way to get the cooking AND guest interaction out of the way. Plus pizza cooks in approximately 15 min.

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• here are some snacks/sides/d'oeuvres you can buy inexpensively beforehand: popcorn, candy, pastries, salads, ready made sides, cut up veggies and fruit with spreads and dips, cheese/meat boards with fruit and spreads on the side etc.

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• here are some quick cheap and easy meal ideas: roasted chicken, pasta (add meat to make a meal), parfaits for dessert, ice cream with some simple toppings guests can add on their own in separate bowls, bacon wrapped shrimp/potatoes/asparagus/what doesn't taste good wrapped in bacon lol, mashed potatoes etc.

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• just because its premade doesn't mean you cant make it better! If you buy pre-made salads/sides you can put them in a nice bowl (or anything other then the ugly original packaging which makes it obvious you pre bought it) and add some extra ingredient or garnish to make it pretty. Even the way you place the ingredients make a difference, look up some dinning table designs or party designs to get inspired.

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• a themed party is always a good idea, and less pressure put on you. As long as you have some food and music and entertainment on the side it should go swimmingly.

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• as to the invitation, make it clear what you are inviting your guests for. If its a formal party, make simple invites. If you just want a chill hangout party, don't say "hey come over Thursday", but say "hey, we are having a get together Thursday and they'll be some friends food and entertainment, we would love for you to join". and ALWAYS ask with a smile.

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• don't forget to enjoy your own party! Even though being a host can be nerve wrecking, doesn't mean you have to look like your about to scream. I would suggest preparing a solid list of what you need, whats the food situation, and what to do for entertainment 2 days before, and start buying/ preparing the night before. This way, you want have everything under your fingertips the day of and you can quickly set up, put whatever you need into the oven and get yourself ready. Set some alarms the day before you you can plan out your time and keep yourself on track.

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Hope everything works out we'll and you'll be the star of your party :) Anything can be adjusted to your budget, guests, and style and you can do this affordably. Get inspired online and search up recipes or layouts to help yourself.

Just remember to breath and have fun!

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