After a languorous summer filled with picnics and pool parties, the harvest season can feel like a shock to the system, as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas loom large. And while I love curating hearty menus and chic fall table decor ideas, I'm always grateful when I stumble across a clever trick or time-saving tip – and luckily, Shea McGee's hosting hacks have arrived just in time.
In a recent video posted by McGee & Co, Shea revealed three of her most helpful hosting tips (while showcasing a particularly gorgeous tablescape courtesy of McGee & Co's 2025 fall collection). Touching on everything from food preparation to table accessories, Shea's advice is invaluable, and I know I'll come back to it again and again this season.
Watch Shea McGee's hosting hacks video
Having just recently spotted Shea McGee's tips on how to elevate your home for fall, I've been busy adding seasonal touches to my interiors – but when it comes to tablescapes and party planning, I'm often feel a little overwhelmed by choice and tasks, so Shea's hosting hacks couldn't have landed in my feed at a better time.
Whether I'm throwing a last-minute gathering or an elaborate soiree, it's easy to forget just how much there is to do. From the food and drinks to the flatware, crockery and finishing touches, the list can easily get out of hand; but according to Shea McGee, it all comes down to forward-planning. Read on for Shea McGee's hosting hacks.
1. Set the table in advance
After I've prepped the food, done the cooking, and attempted to make my kitchen look organized again, setting the table feels like a reward: the chance to get creative and tie everything together before my guests arrive.
In reality, however, it always takes longer than I expect, and panic begins to set in – which is exactly why Shea advises setting the table ahead of time.
'I always set the table the night before,' she explains. 'It doesn't have to be perfect right away, but I do this so I can mull it over and make adjustments, and I'm not stressed out right before people come over.'
2. Devote time to planning and preparation
The secret to a successful dinner party menu? Planning, of course.
'I make a plan, I outline my menu, and I do anything that can be chopped or prepped ahead of time,' says Shea. 'It just means I'm not running around frantically on the day.'
It might sound rudimentary, but planning really is a saving grace. It's what every hosting expert will emphasize, and it can help to ensure a seamless experience for both you and your guests.
3. Set the mood
Pictured: the Cosima Taper Candle Holder from McGee & Co
As an avid host, I'm always shopping around for elegant table decor, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a few quick fixes and DIY additions.
According to Shea, 'taper candles are a no-fail way to make your table feel dressed up.' And I agree: they'll help to vary the height of the pieces on your table, create a welcoming ambience, and add a pop of color (especially if you invest in statement candle holders; I'm currently obsessed with McGee & Co's Perrin Marble Candle Holders).
Plus, for a quick centerpiece, Shea suggests combining candles and foliage. 'You could clip a few branches, put them in the center, add taper candles and you're good to go,' she says.
Shop Shea McGee's hosting essentials
I couldn't take my eyes off this gorgeous taper candle holder in Shea's video; I love its sculptural shape and polished brass finish.
The dusty taupe color of these candles makes them ideal for the harvest season, whether you show them off at fall dinner parties or Thanksgiving dinners.
These soft gray plates would pair perfectly with crisp white linens and gold accents – though they'd also provide a brilliant contrast to pops of rust in a traditional fall or Halloween look.
Nail the contemporary aesthetic with these brass taper holders: their slender shape is effortlessly sophisticated.
If you can't pull foliage from your yard, faux stems will always do the trick. Eucalyptus is my current go-to for a stylish centerpiece.
If I'm creating a minimalist look, I like to focus on striking textures rather than bold colors – and these twisted candles will elevate any table. Plus, being unscented, they won't interfere with the food.
Looking for more hosting hacks? Start with a hosting closet. Keeping all your dinner party essentials in one place really will make life so much easier.
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