""When you walked in, I wanted all of your senses to be engaged the way they would if you walked into somebody's house," said Garten. She did that, in part, by offering self-serve coffee or hot cider stations, which created a nice smell in her stores. At home, she said, she'd have cocktails waiting, and "somebody there to give you a hug," which she said were some of the ways she made guests feel welcome."
"According to Garten, setting a vibe is key - but the process doesn't need to be elaborate. From installing a screen door to evoke feelings of summer to playing "great" old music, Garten looked to create a homey, welcoming feeling. Whether serving dinner at home or hosting events in venues, small touches can help party guests feel taken care of from the moment they arrive."
Ina Garten emphasizes creating ambiance before guests arrive to engage all senses and make visitors feel instantly welcome. She used sensory elements in her Barefoot Contessa business, such as self-serve coffee and hot cider stations to create appealing smells. At home she keeps cocktails ready and greets guests with hugs to foster warmth. Simple efforts like installing a screen door to evoke summer, playing classic music, and arranging thoughtful centerpieces establish a homey vibe. Small touches—a bowl of fruit, smaller flower arrangements, background music, and preparing dishes in advance—help hosts remain stress-free and attentive.
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]