Halloween is the one honest night of the year. The doorbell rings, and there they stand- angels, queens, superheroes and the like-every one of them openly wearing a mask. Nobody pretends otherwise.
But most gatherings are full of masks nobody admits to. The host wears one and the guests wear them too. Smiles set a little too firmly. Like the costume that doesn’t quite fit.
Here is what I have learned from years around a table: the art of the host is not to throw a better party. It is to build the room where the mask can come off.
A true welcome asks nothing of anyone. It doesn’t require the right outfit, the right story or a witty toast. It says, in a small way, that I’m glad you’re here-that the performance is over. You can set it down now.
The most cherished gatherings I know end the same way: masks on the table, face uncovered, laughter a little unleashed from restraint. Hardly anyone remembers what was served. Everybody remembers how it felt to be fully, un-masked, and seen.
This Halloween whether you're at a party, a trunk or treat or just opening your door for the neighborhood dressed up candy gatherers. Remember let people arrive as they are. The best thing might just be, especially as a host, is to offer space where no one has to pretend and just enjoy!
Dream the welcome. Create the table. Inspire the gathering.
This is the Art of the Host.