Being a college student means gaining a new independence, including the ability to buy a sweet treat at any hour of the day and heat up your pre-made frozen meal of choice for dinner every night. You now live in your own dorm room or apartment, buy your own dishes and utensils, and manage the pesky chores. Maybe the shopping list, décor, and cleaning schedule work just fine for you and your roommates, but what happens when your parents visit — and you have to host?
How to Host Your Parents
Hosting your parents for the first time can be a special experience, but it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. What if you set the table wrong? What if your parents no longer like the same food as you? What if you forget to supply the most important element of a weekend trip: coffee? No matter how fancy you’re feeling or how limited your budget is, we’ve got you covered when it comes to hosting your parents the next time they come to visit.
Curate the Atmosphere
When you’re stressed about planning a dinner for your parents, the last thing you want to hear is your mom complaining about how messy your apartment is. So, first things first: tidy up. Before they arrive, clean your apartment thoroughly — especially the common areas — and if your parents are staying the night, maybe throw in some fresh towels and linens for a nice touch.
In terms of ambiance, your parents want to see your space, and they’ll love it if that space includes a photo of them or the family pet. Consider small touches like fresh flowers or a scented candle to tie everything together. After all, this apartment is your own. Decorate it however you want – but maybe stick the bottle wall of fame in the closet, for now.
Plan the Menu
While it’s fun to play chef after years of meals at home, the key is to offer something simple. If this is your first time cooking for them, keep it lowkey. Trust me, if all you know how to make is a box of pasta, they will be fine with that. If there’s a favorite dish of yours that you know they love, too – like the meatloaf or casserole your mom taught you to make — then, by all means, go for that.
Make the first night they are visiting the most special. Start with some simple finger food like a cheese board and crackers, or spice things up with a batch of homemade guacamole and some chips. In terms of the main dish, it is safest to opt for a meal that can be prepared in advance or something that isn’t too high-maintenance. For example, consider one of these recipes to keep things simple. For side dishes, a nice green salad is always a safe bet, or if you’re feeling extravagant, you can never go wrong with roasted veggies, either.
#SpoonTip: Need some inspiration? All of these recipes are approachable, quick, and very student-friendly.
Stock Up On Drinks
When preparing for visitors, one of the most important elements to keep in mind is drinks. Consider stocking your fridge with a few basic bevs for their visit, like water, seltzers, soda, and juice if it feels appropriate.
As for coffee and tea, think back to the days when you were still living at home. What was your parents favorite brew? Did they use a creamer or milk? When in doubt, you can always ask your parents what their preferences are, just to be sure.
In terms of adult drinks, it’s always smart to have a bottle of wine on hand that’s better than your $7 college moscato if you’re over the age of 21. If you’re not sure what kind to get, aim for a budget friendly red or white — and again, you can always ask! The reality is, you probably weren’t imbibing with your parents prior to college, and it’s okay if you don’t know their faves.
Create an Easy Schedule
Don’t overwhelm yourself with cooking all day. There is no need to stress about the little things like if you remembered to preheat the oven. Take it slow and cherish the moments you are spending with your parents – they came to see you, not eat a five-star meal three times a day.
If they’re visiting during the day, take a visit to local museums, catch a sports game at your school, or even head to a tourist attraction in a local city. When it comes to food, they’ll probably want to host you at some point — show them your favorite local café, or grab a sandwich from your favorite diner in town.
After dinner, maybe take a walk around your campus or neighborhood. Your goal is to balance hosting and spending quality time, and there is no need to only focus on the logistics. If your parents are staying overnight, offer a simple breakfast like oatmeal, eggs, or cereal, and be prepared with the coffee.
Have Fun With It!
Your parents will likely be thrilled with your hosting efforts, and the time that you spend together will be what matters most. Don’t forget that your parents want to see what your life is like now that you’re moved out, from where you live to what you do. In the end, the ability to host your parents is a true triumph for an emerging adult, and the key is to relax, soak up the quality time, and most importantly, have fun.