The Good Enough Host - Hosting Without the Stress

Getting to Good Enough

How to Host Guests Without Perfectionism Taking Over

What if the secret to being a great host has nothing to do with having a perfect home? Join Shannon and Janine as they share personal stories about stress-free hosting, from spontaneous game nights to weekend visits with college friends. Discover why your guests care more about connection than your baseboards, and learn practical strategies to welcome people into your home without losing your mind in the process. If hosting anxiety has been keeping you from inviting people over, this episode is your permission slip to embrace good enough hosting.

What We Talk About

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to good enough hosting

01:17 - Janine's unprecedented summer: hosting three houseguests in July

02:14 - Shannon's LA weekend: Bridget Everett, great food, and not over-scheduling

04:55 - The hosting truth bomb: everyone's more comfortable when the host is comfortable

06:25 - Game night wisdom: cocktails, takeout, and setting expectations

07:52 - The unvacuumed floor story (and why it didn't matter)

10:16 - CHAOS: Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome and the 15-minute tidy

11:37 - Resurrecting the Quick Clutter Fix resource

14:26 - Shannon's goal achieved: the guest-ready home

15:20 - "The job isn't done until the tools are put away" - a great habit that makes keeping a guest ready home easier

19:14 - The real point: connection matters more than perfection

20:23 - Permission to go the extra mile (or not)

Key Takeaways for Stress-Free Entertaining

Your Relaxed Energy Matters More Than Your Décor

When the host is stressed, guests feel it. When you're comfortable and at ease, everyone has a better time. Your emotional state sets the tone for the entire visit. Hosting without stress starts with giving yourself permission to be relaxed.

Most Guests Just Want to Spend Time With You

They're not coming to judge your baseboards or inspect your guest room. Shannon's LA trip was perfect because it focused on connection—binge-watching TV, eating good food, and just being together. No elaborate itinerary required. Connection over perfection is the real secret to memorable gatherings.

The 15-Minute Tidy Beats the 3-Hour Deep Clean

You don't need to pull everything out of your closet and completely reorganize when someone's coming over. A quick declutter of visible spaces is usually enough. The Quick Clutter Fix approach helps you avoid the trap of making things worse by over-preparing. If you struggle with CHAOS (Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome), this strategy is a game-changer.

"The Job Isn't Done Until the Tools Are Put Away"

Creating systems where everything has a place makes hosting guests infinitely easier. Shannon keeps guest room sheets in a drawer under the guest bed, making changeovers simple. Her "putting the house to bed" evening routine means her home is guest-ready without last-minute panic. Small organizing wins create big stress reductions.

Set Expectations Early and Often

Janine's game night invitation was clear: "cocktails, games, and takeout." When the food arrived late, it didn't matter because expectations were already set. Be upfront about what kind of gathering you're hosting to reduce hosting anxiety for everyone.

Bottom Line

Good enough hosting isn't about lowering your standards—it's about raising your priorities. When you focus on connection over perfection, you create space for authentic hospitality that feels good for everyone. Your guests will remember the laughter, the conversations, and how welcome they felt, not whether your house was Instagram-ready.

Try this: Next time you're tempted to stress about hosting, ask yourself: "What would make this easier for me while still making my guest feel welcome?" Then do that thing. Your relaxed presence is the best gift you can offer.

Resources & Links

• Quick Clutter Fix one-pager
• Flylady and CHAOS (Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome)
• Somebody Somewhere starring Bridget Everett

• YouTube link - Here's the link if you'd like to watch the conversation!

Connect With Us

We'd love to hear from you! Do you enjoy hosting, or does it stress you out? What's your biggest hosting challenge? Share your thoughts:

• Social: Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough
• Email: [email protected]
• Voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (413-424-4843)
• Website: gettingtogoodenough.com

If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review or share it with someone who needs permission to host imperfectly. Every share helps us reach more people looking for their own version of good enough.

Want More?

Episode 3: Backsliding - If you've ever had your guest-ready routine fall apart, this episode is for you. Learn why setbacks are normal and how to plan your comeback before you need it.

Episode 14: Evening Routines - This is where Shannon first introduced the concept of "putting the house to bed"—the exact routine that makes her home guest-ready at a moment's notice. Learn how an evening routine can be a favor to your future self.

Episode 74: Be Kind to Yourself - Perfectionists can be really hard on themselves about hosting. This episode explores why self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism when things don't go perfectly.