The Joy of Hosting - Why It’s Worth It (Even When It’s Not Perfect)
If you’ve ever said, “I want to host more, but it feels like too much work,” you’re not alone.
As an interior designer and candle creator, I hear this all the time. People love the idea of hosting—inviting friends over, lighting candles, setting a beautiful table—but when it comes time to plan, the overwhelm creeps in.
Between cooking, cleaning, and worrying whether guests will feel comfortable, it can start to feel like more stress than joy.
But here’s the secret I’ve discovered: hosting doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be personal.
The Soirée That Started It All
Sabine with Premier Sponsors MAG Development, Inc.
photo: Dat Designs
photo: Dat Designs
Photo: Dat Designs
Photo: Dat Designs
Recently, I hosted the 10th Anniversary Soirée for Georgette Marise Interiors, and it reminded me of everything I love about bringing people together. The evening was filled with laughter, warmth, and connection. Guests mingled, shared stories, and enjoyed delicious bites surrounded by candlelight.
Was every detail flawless? Of course not. But when I looked around the room, what I saw were smiles. That moment reaffirmed something I deeply believe—hosting is not about performing; it’s about creating a space where people can relax and feel seen.
From That Experience Came: The Joy of Hosting
That soirée inspired me to write my newest eBook, The Joy of Hosting, which releases this Wednesday!
It’s a 20-page guide filled with practical, inspiring tips to help you host confidently—whether it’s a Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving dinner, or a casual Sunday supper.
Get your copy of my latest eBook The Joy of Hosting: Designing Dinner Parties that Delight
Inside, you’ll find:
✅ A step-by-step plan for how to host a dinner party without stress
✅ Easy ways to make guests feel instantly at home
✅ Table styling and ambiance tips for any occasion
✅ My personal checklist for hosting success
If you’ve been searching for holiday hosting tips or entertaining ideas for Thanksgiving, this eBook is for you. It’s designed to help you rediscover the joy of gathering, minus the overwhelm.
Visit the Soirée Exhibit
I’m thrilled to share that our 4 designed vignettes are still featured at the Philly Photo Spot Selfie Museum, open to the public until Thanksgiving!
It’s a visual celebration of the joy, connection, and design inspiration that come from opening your doors to others.
Mood Board concept of one of our exclusive vignettes.
from concept to reality designed by Georgette Marise Interiors
Introducing Maison Fraîche: A Candle Made for Hosts
As you prepare to welcome guests into your home this season, set the mood with my newest scent in The Belfong Candle Collection — Maison Fraîche.
Enjoy our newest luxury scent Maison Fraîche
It’s a luxurious blend of santal and coconut, inspired by that feeling of a fresh coastal breeze drifting through a beautifully styled room. The scent is calming, clean, and elegant - perfect for creating a warm atmosphere your guests will remember.
Shop Maison Fraîche Candle and Maison Fraîche Reed Diffuser
Explore The Belfong Candle Collection
Lighting a candle before guests arrive is one of my favorite home decor and hosting tips, it sets the tone for the evening instantly.
Hosting Is About Connection
When I think back to the soirée, what stands out isn’t the décor or the playlist however, it’s the laughter, the conversations, and the warmth in the room.
That’s what I want for you this season. Hosting isn’t about perfection…it’s about presence.
So whether you’re planning a festive Friendsgiving, a cozy winter dinner, or a just-because get-together, remember this:
Your guests won’t remember if everything matched.
They’ll remember how you made them feel.
Your Invitation
Download The Joy of Hosting this Wednesday.
Visit the Philly Photo Spot Selfie Museum exhibit before Thanksgiving.
Light a Maison Fraîche candle or enjoy the reed diffuser and rediscover the joy of bringing people together.
Because the best gatherings aren’t perfect - they’re joyful.