Hosting

Hosting, from the first invite to the leftovers

Timelines, potluck splits and safe-temperature numbers, plus the short list of gear that is actually worth owning.

Hosting goes wrong in predictable places: the turkey is still frozen, three people bring dessert, the oven is double-booked, and there is one outlet for six slow cookers. Our guides front-load the plan so the day itself is calm.

The kit lists are deliberately short. If you can borrow it, we say so.