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Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute, believes that hospitality isn’t just about opening your door—it’s about creating a place where guests truly feel at home. For him, the heart of entertainment lies in the details: the cozy atmosphere, the thoughtful touches, and the effort to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and relaxed. It’s the purpose of the gathering, the way laughter lingers in the air, and the memories made around the table that make it all so special. Whether hosting a holiday celebration or spontaneous gathering, Ariel is committed to creating spaces that not only welcome guests but also encourage them to relax and connect.
Ariel Kaye’s Pro Tips for Making Your Guests Feel at Home
Ahead, Ariel shares her top tips for making guests feel comfortable when they walk through your door. From setting the tone with candles and music as soon as she arrives, to creating a comfortable flow throughout your space, her advice will help you raise your entertaining game. She highlights simple yet impactful ideas like a homemade bar, providing a well-stocked guest room, and stocking your fridge with your favorite snacks—all of which encourage you to relax and enjoy the moments just like your guests do. With these thoughtful tips, you can ensure that your home is always ready to host in a way that feels simple and inviting.
Ariel Kaye
Home is everything to Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute. Started in Los Angeles in 2014 as a digital brand, Parachute has grown beyond its roots—high-end bedding—to include essentials for every room in the home. In nearly eleven years, Ariel has transformed Parachute into a popular home lifestyle brand across the country.
I really love the magic of the holidays. My love of home and design began as a love of hosting, bringing family and friends together to get together and stay up late. I am happiest when my home is always full of laughter and chatter, small footsteps, the sound of a bottle of wine being opened, a fire burning…
I love the opportunity to set the table, dim the lights and welcome people into my home for major celebrations and holidays—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Jewish holidays, or my annual New Year’s Eve party. But also times in between, like an unexpected weekend gathering. I strive to always have snacks and drinks ready for people to have on the go. The important thing is not only to welcome people, but to make sure that they also feel at home. When people are comfortable—and I feel comfortable as a host—that’s when the fun really happens and those great memories are made.
I am happiest when my home is always full of laughter and chatter, small footsteps, the sound of a bottle of wine being opened, a fire burning…
Consider Space Flow
I spend a lot of time thinking about the flow of the event, where people enter, where they will meet, and how you can direct and create targeted spaces. People often congregate in my kitchen or living room, so thinking about seating and making sure there’s room for everyone to be comfortable is key.
Set the Ambience From the Front Door
Comfort starts the minute guests arrive at your home. Turn off your overhead lights and set the tone for the event with a ton of candles and a stellar playlist. Light a fire in the fireplace on those cold days to welcome your guests in a cool atmosphere. When it’s nice outside, I like to open the windows to let in some fresh air and help regulate the temperature when I’m around a lot of people.
Start Your Party with a Self-Service Bar
When guests come to the event, I always point them to where I will work. This takes my preparation a step further as I make 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 mix of different drink ingredients (and non-alcoholic drink options).
Remember to Rest!
Holiday parties are only fun when the host can relax and have fun too! My guests will feel more comfortable when I am relaxed and happy too. I like to wear something very comfortable and shoes that I can wear all night.
Perfect Guest Room
If you have someone staying, the guest room is their safe place and you want them to feel as close to home as possible. I like to make sure that the bed in the guest room is done right with comfortable colors and textures so that your guest can stumble into bed after what can be a long day of travel.
My favorites for the guest bed are the Percale Sheets and the Cloud Cotton Quilt. My guest room is always stocked with phone chargers, extra toiletries, and other things I’d forgotten. I also like to keep a stylish carafe in the nightstand so they don’t wander into the kitchen in the middle of the night. PS The dress is touching too!
Keep the Fridge
If your guests are going on an overnight or weekend trip, stock your fridge with their favorite items. For your friends with allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure you have something to put in their coffee and snacks just in case!