Entertaining always feels more effortless 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 exactly how to create a hosting closet.
How to create a hosting closet
'I first heard about hosting closets last holiday season, and I realized that this is something everyone should have in their home,' says our style editor Devin Toolen. '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.'
Once you've marked out your hosting closet, it's simply a matter of stocking it with the crockery, linens, and accessories that you use for parties and gatherings. (I'll be filling mine with the country grandmother-inspired tableware that I've been obsessed with lately.)
'A hosting closet should feel like your pantry for entertaining,' advises 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.'
What to store in a hosting closet
'I stash extra glassware, seasonal table linens, candle holders, and even decorative serving trays in my hosting closet,' says Devin. 'Keeping all of my essentials in one place really does make hosting easier.'
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.'
How to organize a hosting closet
When it comes to labeling and storing your decor, the key is to take your best pantry organization ideas and apply them to your hosting closet.
'I like to group everything by use,' says Maricel. 'I store linens in one section, serving trays in another, vases and candles together, and seasonal items in clearly labeled bins. Napkin rings, chopstick rests, or other small tabletop details are kept in see-through containers so I can find them at a glance.'
If your closet is big enough, try to roll your linens rather than folding them flat. 'This prevents heavy creasing and makes them easy to grab in a rush,' explains Maricel.
Shop everything you need to create a hosting closet
Clear storage bins are the basis of any efficient hosting closet, and these open-front options make it particularly easy to find and grab items.
My label maker is my secret weapon. It has revolutionized everything from my pantry to my spice drawer – and now my hosting closet, too.
For a more chic storage solution, try these wicker baskets, which are complete with their own chalkboard labels.
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.
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