Is there anything better than getting together with friends and family for a joyful Jewish celebration? Well, yes — and that’s making and following through with a detailed and thorough checklist to help you plan said celebration.
It’s High Holiday season (Rosh Hashanah starts the night of Sept. 22!), so if you’re hosting something (or avoiding thinking about the thing you’re hosting), it’s time to check “make a hosting checklist” off of your to-do list. Oh wait — we completed that task for you. You’re welcome!
This to-do list is part of Kveller’s Guide to Hosting Rosh Hashanah. To get a printable version — as well as the rest of the guide, which includes menus and recipes, decor ideas, blessings and more — click here.
Ahead of time:
Make your guest list
Write down everyone you could invite, and then make some decisions from there. How many can you realistically fit? Are there any people who don’t know each other that you think would hit it off? Anyone who can’t be in the same room together?
Invite your guests
A simple text or email is fine, but we like using tools like Paperless Post or Apple Invites for easy tracking. Don’t forget to ask for your guests’ dietary restrictions or preferences, and you could even ask if they’d like to contribute a specific traditional dish or ritual!
Plan your menu
For this step, it’s helpful to separate your menu into what you want to make, buy and delegate. Don’t be afraid to delegate, especially after you’ve learned what your guests want to contribute — often, people love an assignment, but you know your crew best.
Using your final guest list, plan your seating arrangement
Related: We’ve found that kids love to make place cards.
Purchase or make any desired decor
For things like fresh flowers that should be bought only 1-2 days in advance, set a reminder in your calendar — or better yet, ask a guest to pick it up for you!
Finalize your menu and shopping list
Make an actual list! It will come in handy later. Work backwards from when you want to serve everything (what needs to be hot, what can be room temp, what can be made days ahead and stored).
Brush up on any rituals/blessings you’d like to include
This could also be a great place to delegate — what an honor to be asked to light the candles for your gathering!
If hosting young kids, purchase or put together activities to keep them occupied
We have some ideas in our Rosh Hashanah guide!
Deep clean your house
Or hire someone else to do it for you.
Day of:
Set the space
Decorate, set the table, figure out the best lighting, and decide where serving dishes will be set up (in the kitchen, on a buffet table, etc). Advanced move: Get the serving dishes and platters out and set up, and use a post-it to remind yourself what will go on it.
Make sure all your food is ready
Here’s where that written down list comes in handy.
Take some time to get yourself ready
Yes, we’re telling you to schedule a shower for yourself. Trust us.
Greet your guests and host a beautiful evening
You did it! Kol hakavod.
Make a note in your phone listing what went well and what you wish you would have done differently so you have it ready for next year
It’s never too soon to start planning!
For an abbreviated version of this checklist and 15 more pages of tips for hosting Rosh Hashanah, sign up here to get our free mini-magazine.
