The Host With the Most (Chaos)

The holidays, Black Friday, and the new year are pulling into the driveway at the same time, and hosting is suddenly the main event! From my view, good hosting feels like walking into a room that already had you in mind. The lights are set, the music sits under the conversation, and the space matches the moment. The environment serves the occasion.

Of course, real life rarely sticks to the script. Like Clark Griswold chasing perfect cheer while the turkey sighs into dust the second he cuts it. Somewhere in the background you can almost hear, “Save the neck for me, Clark.” That kind of mayhem is funny because it’s familiar. You planned sparkle, you got sparks, and somehow everyone still found something to love about the night.

Hosting also carries responsibility. You notice who needs drawing in and who needs a breather. You keep the current moving, refill what matters, steer the chat without making it feel steered. It’s why you don’t drift off to nap with the dog, even though the dog is clearly the most relaxed guest in the house.

There’s a piece of old etiquette I also still like. Handwritten place cards with your name right there so you don’t have to wonder where to land. It says you belong here. It’s a small old school touch that feels like someone checked the bulbs before you arrived, even if “the little lights aren’t twinkling, Clark.” That’s a good host.

They swap the wobbly chair without a scene, remember who’s gluten free, top off a drink, lower the playlist so a story can finish, and smile through the moments that don’t go to plan. It looks effortless on the outside because they’re carrying the effort on the inside.

So, thank your host. Thank the person who made space for you to be comfortable and a little more yourself. If the night leaned a bit Clark Griswold, thank them twice, because keeping the lights on while everything tries to short out is its own kind of art. Then, when the tree is shedding and the boxes are waiting by the door, that gratitude turns a gathering into a wonderful memory. Happy holidays!

If this resonated and you want more of this energy in your brand and community, join Jason Hunter Design at The Nexus.

The Nexus is an open and welcoming coworking space where neighbors and small business folks share ideas and encouragement. It’s built for creatives, business owners, freelancers, and anyone else who’s trying to make change. Come say hello.

Visit The Nexus: 461 Sandy Creek Rd, Suite 4109, Fayetteville, GA

Learn more: thenexus.community

Also, this Friday is our last Night Market of the year at Drake Field in Peachtree City from 5–10 PM. We hope to see you there!