Simple staples that make last-minute guests feel special

There’s a quote I love: “People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” That’s how I think about hosting. Around here, it’s rarely planned and never fancy—but it’s always heartfelt.

Most nights, it’s a pack of teenagers showing up after practice, and even though they’re kids, I still want them to feel welcomed and thought of. That doesn’t mean I’m setting a formal table—it just means I’ve got a few simple things stocked and ready to go that make hosting feel easy, even on a random Tuesday night.

I keep a couple of drawers in my butler’s pantry filled with my go-to serving pieces, candles, and cozy little touches. And in the fridge and freezer? You’ll almost always find cookie dough, sparkling water, cheese, crackers, and a few other easy staples. It’s nothing fancy—but it makes saying “yes” to last-minute guests feel doable and even fun.

And while we’re mostly hosting teens these days, I’ve found that adults love these cozy, thoughtful touches just as much. Hospitality really is for everyone.

My Everyday Hosting Staples

Sweet Treats Ready to Go

Larson Folkerts chocolate chip cookie dough in the freezer (always)
Brownie mix or boxed lemon bars for backup
A bag of popcorn or kettle corn (a hit with any age)

Fridge Favorites

Blocks of cheese and crackers for a quick snack board
Sparkling water or orange soda (always something fizzy on hand)
Hummus or dip + baby carrots for something easy but fresh

Ambience Makers (From the Butler’s Pantry Drawers)

My favorite vintage candlesticks + candles I keep on hand to pop in
A lighter that’s actually where it should be
A small vase to clip greenery from the yard
A go-to candle for instant cozy vibes

Simple Serving Basics

A white platter that works for anything
A wooden board for impromptu spreads
Cute napkins or coasters that add a little color

Just-for-Fun Extras

A deck of Phase 10 (our house favorite)
Conversation cards I can pull out if needed
Bluetooth speaker to throw on a playlist

A Few Hosting Truths I Live By

You don’t need to be fancy to be thoughtful.
Teenagers (and grown-ups) notice the little things.
Warm cookies cover a multitude of imperfections.

If you’ve ever felt like hosting is too much or too complicated, start small. A couple of dedicated drawers, a stocked freezer, and a few go-to touches can go a long way. Hospitality isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing up. With a little prep, you’ll feel ready to welcome whoever walks through your door.

Now I want to know: what’s always in your hosting stash?