In theory, throwing a gathering at home should be easy … but then the errands, calls with vendors, and other last-minute details start to pile up. This is where Host & Toast, a Nashville-based luxury concierge service, steps in. From expert planning to personalized touches and behind-the-scenes magic, they take the stress out of event planning so you can relax and enjoy being a guest at your own party.
The Challenges of At-Home Hosting
The biggest hurdle for most hosts? Time. Between juggling logistics and last-minute details, handling everything without help is nearly impossible. “We make it easy,” says Anne Elizabeth McIntosh, founder of Host & Toast. “There are a lot of moving pieces to pull together … but we can do everything from start to finish. We can be as involved or as removed as the client wants.”
Another challenge, and something many hosts often overlook or don’t think about, is the number of errands required to pull off a successful party. Whether you have to pick up a large catering order or need an extra bag of ice, Host & Toast handles the small but essential tasks that can otherwise derail a busy host’s day. And with those details off your plate, you get to focus on what matters most: taking time to get yourself ready, relax, and feel confident before guests arrive.
Transforming Stress into Seamless Celebrations
Beyond all of the errands and logistics, there is also some heavy behind-the-scenes planning that hosts don’t often think about. From finding the best local vendors to ensuring deliveries are done on time, Host & Toast handles the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For one Host & Toast client, this meant helping her plan a party while she was out of the country. “We were able to be at her house to receive rentals, coordinate caterers, and have everything ready, so she arrived at home, and the party was ready,” says Anne Elizabeth. This kind of peace of mind allows hosts to simply walk in, greet their guests, and enjoy the celebration.
Don’t Overlook the Details
Anne Elizabeth states that an often overlooked detail is … well … the details. Personalization is key, whether it’s something subtle like monogrammed napkins or a more luxe gesture like handing out thank you gifts at the end.
“Special touches really bring out the personality of the host,” says Anne Elizabeth. “Anybody can hire a caterer or bartender and put up some balloons, but we really want to bring out the host’s personality with the personal touches.”
Day-Of Reminders: How to Keep Things Smooth & Memorable
On the day of your event, Anne Elizabeth offers two secrets for hosting success: a timeline and proper staffing. An accurate (and reasonable) schedule ensures every detail, from the arrival of rentals to serving food and drinks, happens on time, keeping the event flowing smoothly.
Then, having the right team in place means someone is always ready to handle last-minute hiccups — whether someone is refilling drinks or readjusting decor so you can focus on mingling rather than chasing logistics.
Expect the Unexpected (and Enjoy Your Party!)
Even the best-planned events can hit a snag. Anne Elizabeth’s biggest piece of advice for hosts? Don’t let the little things derail the celebration. “Something always comes up … As a planner, you have to be ready to pivot when needed. We are there to make adjustments so it doesn’t ruin the mood or the feel of the event,” she says.
With Host & Toast managing the logistics and behind-the-scenes details, you can relax, knowing everything will be handled quietly and professionally. “Hiring an event planner like us allows you to enjoy your party, and most importantly, be a guest at your own party.”
Why Host & Toast?
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, holiday gatherings, graduation events, or a simple at-home cocktail or dinner party, it’s clear the Host & Toast team has a knack for event planning. “The sky is the limit with us,” shares Anne Elizabeth. “If you’ve got a Pinterest board, we can make it happen. We really love dreaming and creating with our clients and getting to celebrate the special moments based on their visions.”
This article is sponsored by Host & Toast.
Your StyleBlueprint AI Companion
