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Liz Alterman's avatar

Such great advice! This tip: "Don’t show up sick" reminded me of a party we hosted probably 25 years ago and every guest seemed to have a request: Advil, Band-Aids, directions to a train station in another town to pick up a friend (to bring along-surprise!), etc. I started to think it was an elaborate prank :) xx

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Natalie's avatar

Oh, that’s funny! 😂

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Ps: loved this series, thank you for sharing all your recipes, tricks and tips!! 💗💫

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Natalie's avatar

Thank you! I had a ball writing this series 🌸

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Can’t wait for your next one! 🙌💓🥰

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

💝🏡 I LOVE your suggestions for alternative hostess gifts, I’ve never thought of a book but actually what a lovely idea – maybe a cookbook from genre or writer you know the host loves, or even just a beautiful coffee table escape book of a destination – Italy?! 🇮🇹 😉 – they love, something to curl up on the couch with and enjoy the next day! I’ve even taken beautiful fake flowers 🌸- one or two beautiful statement stems, or a bouquet, put together and personalised that the host can keep, and add to! IKEA has beautiful hydrangeas for example, and peonies - our cat eats the real ones! 🫣🐈‍⬛ – which are super- realistic. I love your point about taking of vase and your own picked flowers, and extra vases are always so useful! Also, love the idea about house plants – again, something to last a little longer. 🪴💗🥰

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Natalie's avatar

A cookbook is such a great idea! I would have never thought about fake flowers- brilliant!

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

I know it sounds a bit weird and almost didn’t suggest, as fresh so fabulous of course and a treat, but those ones which are HYPER-realistic looking can be stunning. Just a bit different! 🥰

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Loretta's avatar

I absolutely loved the series. I

A good guest but I need to build confidence on hosting a dinner. I like my food but will they? Any recommendations on the easiest most spectacular party pleaser? Xo

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Natalie's avatar

You've got this, Loretta! I'm certain guests will love your food. I wrote about so many different dinner suggestions here: https://everydaynatalie.substack.com/p/please-come-for-dinner but when in doubt, a taco bar is always a hit!

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Ashley's avatar

This is soooo useful!! I don’t get invited to dinner parties often, but I’m an introvert and often ‘getting started’ is hard. You had some awesome tips! Thank you for that! Also, I loved your reminder to wait for the host to sit before you eat - to me this is just simple manners but so many people don’t do it!! I hope this post reminds them to think again xx

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Natalie's avatar

Thank you for reading, Ashley! It makes me happy knowing you found this post useful. 💗 That is always my goal.

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