Retro Hosting Rituals (That Deserve a Grand Return)
Bring Back Some Old-World Charm
Bring back the toothpicks!
We live in an era of smart fridges, app-controlled lights, and doorbells that let you see the delivery man from your phone. Yet, somewhere between upgrading our gadgets and decluttering our homes into minimalist boxes, we’ve quietly retired a set of homemaking and hosting habits that, frankly, deserve a grand return. These weren’t just “old-fashioned niceties.” They were thoughtful rituals and small luxuries that made guests feel welcome, hosts feel prepared, and life a little more civilized.
Let’s dust off a few of these habits and items that should come back into our homes—no lace doilies required (unless you’re into that).
Lotion in the Guest Bathroom (Yep. It can be as simple as that.)
There’s something oddly luxurious about stepping into someone’s guest bathroom, washing your hands, and finding a little bottle of lotion waiting right next to the soap. It’s the difference between leaving with skin that squeaks like sandpaper and leaving with hands that smell faintly of lavender, almond, or (if your host is really fancy) bergamot. It’s such a small gesture, but it screams, “I thought about you.” Why did we ever stop doing this? Lotion belongs on that sink like Aromat belongs on potatoes.
A Box of Tissues in Plain Sight
Remember when living rooms proudly displayed tissue boxes in decorative sleeves or knitted cozies? These days, we shove tissues into cupboards, forcing guests to awkwardly ask for one mid-sneeze. But a visible box of tissues is more than convenience—it’s comfort. It says, “If you cry at the movie, spill your wine, or sneeze six times in a row, we’ve got you covered.” (Maybe skip the crochet cover …)
FYI, A roll of toilet paper on the coffee table? That’s not hospitality; that’s chaos. Sies man!
Toothpicks and Mints After a Meal
The post-dinner toothpick-and-mint ritual used to be non-negotiable. Toothpicks saved us from spinach in your teeth, and mints gave us courage to keep the conversation flowing without worrying about garlic breath. These days, guests have to sneak into the bathroom or pretend to type something in selfie mode to check their smiles. Bring back the mints and picks! (they also provide lovely fidget spinner alternatives for those extended after dinner conversations…)
Clearing the Table Before Dessert
There’s a rhythm to a proper meal, and part of that rhythm used to involve completely clearing the main-course dishes before dessert arrived. Today, we’re often guilty of sliding cake plates next to used dinner knives and half-empty gravy boats. But there’s something refreshing about a clean slate before dessert: it turns pudding into an event, not an afterthought.
Multiple Towels on the Guest Bed
If someone is staying over, more than one towel should always be placed neatly on their bed. One for the body, one for the hair, maybe even a little face cloth if you’re feeling extra generous. It’s not just practical—it makes your guests feel cared for, as though you thought through the small comforts of their stay. Bonus points if the towels match, and Super-Extra-Awesome-Host points if you have a small, dark coloured towel so guests don’t feel guilty about mascara smudges on your white towels!
Extra Toilet Paper in Sight
Nothing ruins the serene bathroom experience like realizing mid-sit that the roll is finished. Once upon a time, extra rolls were tucked into wicker baskets or stacked in neat towers. These days, there are sleek modern storage solutions that display extra toilet paper like works of art. It’s practical, stylish, and spares your guests the embarrassment of shouting through the door.
Offering a Drink Immediately
Old-school hospitality dictated that the moment a guest walked in, you offered them a drink. Water, wine, a cup of tea—anything to take the edge off and set the tone. Nowadays, guests can stand awkwardly for twenty minutes before anyone remembers to hand them a glass. A drink in the hand is the first step toward relaxation; bring this one back and make your granny proud.
Top Tip: Channel your best ever host vibes by having a drinks-trolley or tray ready to go before the guests arrive.
Background Music at Dinners and Braais
Silence may be golden, but at a dinner party it’s awkward. A soft soundtrack — be it jazz, classical, or even mellow folksy alternative music — fills those lulls in conversation and keeps the mood buoyant. Without music, someone inevitably comments on the weather, and the whole table nods in forced agreement.
Kids Cleaning Up Their Own Chaos
Parents, this one’s important. Back in the day, if your kids turned the host’s house upside down, they pitched in to tidy it before heading home. These days, little tornados leave a trail of LEGO and biscuit crumbs while the adults wave goodbye from the car. Teaching kids to help with cleanup isn’t just polite—it’s a life skill. Plus, it saves the host from having to pick dried Play-Doh off the carpet later.
Hostess Gifts Still Matter
Showing up empty-handed used to be unthinkable. A bunch of flowers, a bottle of wine, even a jar of homemade jam—it didn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful. Today, people show up with nothing but their phones and their appetites. Bring back the hostess gift—it’s a simple way of saying thank you before the evening even begins.
RSVP Like You Mean It
The art of RSVP has all but vanished. We delay, we waffle, or worse, we ghost. But hosts need numbers—they need to know how many potatoes to peel! A timely RSVP is a gift of certainty in a world of flaky calendars.
Don’t Be Late (or at Least Text)
Another lost art: Punctuality. The rule used to be simple—never more than 10 minutes late unless you’d phoned ahead. Today, people show up when they feel like it, leaving everyone else poking at olives in boredom. Courtesy is free, and a quick text takes seconds.
Handwritten Notes
There is something magical about receiving a handwritten thank-you note. Real stationery, ink, maybe even a slightly smudged signature. It doesn’t need to be monogrammed or embossed—just real. A text message gets lost in the shuffle. A note lingers.
We think it is time for a Gentle Re-evaluation
These habits may seem old-fashioned, but really, they’re just timeless expressions of thoughtfulness. They remind us to slow down, to notice the small details, and to extend kindness in little, affordable ways. A tissue box, a mint dish, a handwritten note—none of these cost much, but they elevate everyday living into something special.
In a fast-paced world of constant notifications and instant everything, maybe it’s time to embrace a slower rhythm. To savour the soft luxuries of civility. To remind ourselves that being human is about connection, comfort, and care—and sometimes, about a text or a toothpick at the right time
