Plus, it makes the room smell good.

Plus, at the end of the festivities, flowers make nice parting tokens for guests.

Delicious, inexpensive, and 100% foolproof.

Blue Willow china pattern with spring flowers in white, yellow, and blue

Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez, Stylist: Carolyn Chen

A little “Hello!

I’m so glad you’re here” goes a long way.

Put out your best table cloth, the salad forks, the family china, the gravy boat.

Perfect Southern Sweet Tea

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Always Serve Something Sweet

No way grandma ishosting a partywithout dessert on the menu.

Besides, you’ll press a plate of leftovers on every person when they leave.

Southern Living Homemade Mashed Potatoes in a bowl to serve

Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall