Updated on November 17, 2025

Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.

― Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering

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When was the last time you really thought deeply about the gatherings you create?

Hosting is all about bringing people together, not just guest stays but team meetings, dinners, webinars, trivia nights, and everything in between.

When was the last time you contemplated such gatherings with curiosity, not checklists or metrics? As much as I love both of those things, The Art of Gathering reminded me that little dulls the magic of togetherness more than the futile effort of mechanizing human interaction.

Of Parker’s many lessons, here are a few favorite ways to make gatherings crackle and flourish.

Lesson 1: Don’t Be a Chill Host

Passive hosts make people feel uncertain. Strong, intentional hosting that sets expectations, guides the flow, and protects the purpose is what allows guests to relax and connect.

Start with clear framing: what’s going to happen, why they’re here, and what’s expected of them. For STRs, this could mean a confident tone in your check-in instructions. For association leaders, it could mean setting and enforcing guardrails for conversation in a town hall.

Lesson 2: Create a Temporary Alternative World

The best gatherings feel like stepping into a distinct space, with its own rules, tone, and spirit. Separation from the everyday is what makes them memorable and powerful. The venue matters. It speaks before you do, and it can either support or sabotage your goals for the gathering.

Choose or create a space that matches your purpose. Want intimacy? Avoid ballrooms and auditoriums for events, or create warm and cozy gathering spots in your property. Envision a lively game night or engaging community forum? Design for interactivity.

Lesson 3. Close the Door

When you try to please everyone, you serve no one deeply. Trying to appeal to a wide range of guests or event attendees means most of them won’t get a five-star experience.

Exclude generously. Define who your property or gathering is for, and design it just for them.

Heading into the holidays is the perfect opportunity to rethink the way we host. I look forward to doing so with a new approach of curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try – starting first with the STR Huddle this Wednesday, Nov. 19!

Happy gathering,

Alexa Nota,
COO and Co-Founder of Rent Responsibly