This hosting hack will take the stress out of entertaining – I tried it and it's totally transformed my fall party planning

Entertaining always feels more seamless when there’s a little planning behind the scenes. My mind is abuzz with fall table decor ideas, and I’ve been trying to get organized before the new season arrives. It might be too early to say, but I think I’ve discovered the secret to seamless fall hosting – and it starts with creating a hosting closet.

Even the most pared-back fall decor ideas require a surprising amount of storage space, and I always find myself struggling to keep everything neat and tidy. A dedicated closet promises to make those worries a thing of the past; by storing all my hosting essentials in one convenient spot, I can cut down on party prep and maximize efficiency, no matter what kind of event I’m planning. Here’s how to create a hosting closet.

1. Choose your closet

While a hosting closet is a real lifesaver, it does require a bit of extra space – and a (mostly) empty cabinet or dresser, which might be hard to come by.

But according to Devin Toolen, our style editor, 'it doesn't even need to be a closet – it could be a small dresser, a tall shelving unit with doors, or even an unused set of shelves in your pantry.'

'A hosting closet should feel like your pantry for entertaining,' adds Maricel Gentile, chef and owner of Maricel’s Kitchen. 'When everything has its place, you can focus less on searching and more on connecting with your guests.'

2. Sort out your hosting essentials

Whatever closet you choose, you'll need enough space for all of your table decor. (I'll be filling mine with the country grandmother-inspired tableware that I'm currently obsessed with). However, it's crucial to start by evaluating the pieces you actually use.

'Before organizing your hosting closet or pantry, pull everything out to survey your inventory, and edit out what you don't want or haven't used in the past few seasons,' advises Caroline Dockery, professional organizer and founder of Categorically Caroline. 'Since most items aren't used daily, but rather for special occasions, whatever you keep should earn the space it occupies.'

3. Look for practical boxes & baskets

Once you've sorted through your decor, you'll need to invest in suitable dividers and bins for storage. Clear, stackable containers (like these ones from Target) are a safe bet, but it's all about what fits your space – and your preferred storage methods – best.

'I store linens in one section, serving trays in another, vases and candles together, and extra items in clearly labeled bins,' says Maricel. 'Napkin rings, chopstick rests, or other small tabletop details are kept in see-through containers so I can find them at a glance.'

4. Create a clear categorization system

When it comes to labeling your items, the key is to take your best pantry organization ideas and apply them to your hosting closet. (I started by researching different storage methods and investing in tools like this portable label maker from Amazon.)

'I recommend organizing items by theme or color in stackable open-front bins,' says Marta Parfan, professional organizer and owner of Well Arranged Home. 'For each table setting, stash co-ordinating napkins, placemats, napkin rings and candle holders in separate bins next to each other on a shelf so you can find an entire look in one go. I label bins with simple, visual names like “Gold Accents” or “Blue & White.”'

5. Make space for seasonal decor

While a hosting closet boasts an array of uses, I've found that the biggest benefit is having the dedicated space to stash seasonal items.

'I store seasonal decor in sturdy clear bins labeled with both the holiday and the color scheme – that way, if I'm looking for something specific, I know exactly where to go,' says Maricel. 'I also keep a small “emergency” box with plain white napkins, unscented candles, and simple vases, which always saves the day for last-minute dinners or unexpected guests.'

Shop everything you need to create a hosting closet

I've thoroughly enjoyed using my favorite pantry storage ideas to make my hosting closet as efficient as possible. I know it'll pay off when hosting season rolls around.