When to use: Before guests arrive or right before a loop night you’re hosting.

Why this skill hits

Good hosting is quiet structure. This playbook keeps the room warm, the pacing gentle, and consent explicit without making anyone feel managed.

Setup

• Light the room: warm, low glare, no overhead spotlight.
• Water first: bottles or a carafe on the table before cocktails.
• Sound baseline: music low enough for conversation without leaning in.
• Temperature check: one light layer available for cold‑sensitive guests.
• Exit clarity: know the rideshare plan or who’s driving.

The energy arc (3 phases)

1. Arrival (0–20 min): greet at the door, offer water, name the vibe in one line.
2. Middle (20–60 min): check pacing, nudge conversation, adjust sound/lighting.
3. Close (last 20 min): lower the volume, mention exit time, and offer a clean goodbye.

Consent + pacing check‑ins

• “You good with this pace?”
• “Want more, less, or pause?”
• “We can keep it slow—¿listo?”

Sensory map

• Lighting: lamps + candles beat ceiling light.
• Noise: keep speakers away from seating and set a soft “no shouting” zone.
• Space: leave one quiet corner for resets.

Hydration + food baseline

• Water with every round; no one has to ask.
• Pair drinks with something salty or simple (chips, fruit, tacos).
• If caffeine is in play, add one decaf option.

Scripts (copy/paste)

• “Water first, then we’ll pour.”
• “If you need a reset, the quiet corner is open.”
• “We’re keeping it slow tonight—say the word if you want more or less.”
• “Let’s close in 15 so rideshares stay smooth.”

Checklist

• Water out + ice ready
• One snack option
• Music queued + volume set
• Quiet corner clear
• Exit plan confirmed

Pivots

• Low energy: shorten the plan and swap to tea or mocktails.
• Sensory overload: step outside for air, then return for one focused beat.
• Crowd spike: move to the quiet corner and slow the pace.

Aftercare

• Send the “home safe” text within 30 minutes.
• If anyone felt stretched, name it: “Gracias for saying it. We’ll pace lighter next time.”