The Art of Hosting: Ariel Kaye’s Tips on Creating a Cozy, Inviting Space

Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute, believes that hospitality isn’t just about opening your door—it’s about creating an environment where guests feel truly at home. For her, the heart of entertaining lies in the details: the cozy ambiance, the thoughtful touches, and the effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable and relaxed. It’s the intention behind the gathering, the way laughter lingers in the air, and the memories that are made around the table that make it all so special. Whether hosting a holiday celebration or a spontaneous get-together, Ariel is committed to crafting spaces that not only welcome guests but also encourage them to unwind and connect.

Ariel Kaye’s Expert Tips for Making Your Guests Feel Right at Home

Ahead, Ariel shares her top tips for making guests feel at ease when they walk through your door. From setting the tone with candles and music as soon as they arrive, to creating a comfortable flow throughout your space, her advice will help you elevate your entertaining game. She highlights simple yet impactful ideas like a self-serve bar, offering a well-stocked guest room, and filling your fridge with their favorite snacks—all while encouraging you to relax and enjoy the moments as much as your guests do. With these thoughtful tips, you can ensure that your home is always ready to host in a way that feels effortless and inviting.

Ariel Kaye

Home is everything to Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute. What began in Los Angeles in 2014 as a digitally native brand, Parachute has since expanded beyond its roots—premium-quality bedding—to include essentials for all rooms in the home. In the nearly eleven years, Ariel has evolved Parachute into a beloved home lifestyle brand across the country.

I truly love the magic of the holidays. My love of home and design started as a love of hosting, bringing family and friends together to gather and then linger late into the night. I am happiest when my home is always filled with laughter and chatter, little footsteps running, the sound of a wine bottle opening, a fire burning…

I love the opportunity to set the table, dim the lights and welcome people into my home for big celebrations and holidays—whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Jewish holidays, or my annual New Year’s Eve Eve party. But also the moments in between, like the impromptu weekend gathering. I strive to always be ready to have people over with snacks and drinks, ready at the go. The key is not just welcoming people over, it is making sure they also feel like home. When people are comfortable—and I feel comfortable as host—that’s when the fun really happens and those core memories are made. 

I am happiest when my home is always filled with laughter and chatter, little footsteps running, the sound of a wine bottle opening, a fire burning…

Consider the Flow of the Space

I spend a lot of time thinking about the flow of an event, where people enter, where they will gather, and how you can guide and create intentional spaces. People generally gather in my kitchen or in the living room, so thinking through seating and making sure there is space for everyone to be comfortable is key. 

Set the Ambiance From the Front Door

Comfort starts from the minute guests arrive at your home. Turn your overhead lights off and set the tone of the event with a ton of candles and a stellar playlist. Make a fire in the fireplace for those chilly days to welcome your guests into a cozy atmosphere. If it is nice outside, I like to open the windows to bring fresh air in and help regulate the temperature when I have lots of people over.

Start Your Party With A Self-Serve Bar

When guests arrive for a party, I always point them in the direction of my self-serve bar. This takes a step out of my prep while making my guests feel at home with a drink they know they will love. I like to line up fun glassware on my dining table with a mixture of different drink ingredients (and some non-alcoholic drink options). 

Remember to Relax!

Holiday parties are only fun when the host can relax and have fun too! My guests will feel the most relaxed when I am relaxed and having fun as well. I like to dress in something super comfortable and shoes that I can wear all night long. 

Perfect The Guest Room

When you have someone staying over, the guest room is their safe space and you want them to feel as close to home as possible. I like to make sure the bed in the guest room is perfectly made in cozy colors and textures so your guest can stumble right into bed after what could be a long travel day.

My favorites for a guest bed are Percale Sheets and Cloud Cotton Quilt. My guest room is always stocked with phone chargers, extra toiletries, and other things that could’ve been forgotten. I also like to keep a stylish carafe on the nightstand so they don’t have to wander through the kitchen in the middle of the night. P.S. A robe is a nice touch as well!

Stock The Fridge

When your guests are coming for an overnight trip or the weekend, stock your fridge with their favorite things. For your friends with allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure you have something to put in their coffee and snacks in case!