Just have people over! Chelsea Fagan, a millennial writer and co-founder of the Financial Diet website, is on a mission to combat loneliness and the pressure of perfectionism. Through her new book, “Having People Over,” she encourages people to host dinner parties, arguing it’s not only cheaper than dining out but also a way to resist late-stage capitalism and the loneliness epidemic.
Hosting at Home: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
The common belief that hosting at home is expensive is what often deters millennials and zoomers from having dinner parties. However, as Fagan points out, hosting at home can actually be a cost-effective alternative to dining out. “It is just much less expensive in general to host in the home and to be hosted in the home,” says Fagan. In her view, millennials and Gen Z have become overly reliant on restaurants, delivery services, and bars, which can take a significant toll on their budgets.
Rekindling Human Connection Through Home Hosting
When asked what we lose by choosing dinner delivery over home-cooked meals, Fagan highlights several important aspects. Firstly, there is the financial aspect. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, is the loss of intimacy and personal touch that home-cooked meals offer. Dining at a friend’s home provides a unique, personal experience that can’t be replicated at a restaurant. “The homes that we create, the food that we serve, the experience that we curate, these are all unique,” says Fagan.
Overcoming Financial Constraints
Even when she was in credit card debt in her 20s, Fagan frequently hosted gatherings at her home. These experiences taught her the value of creativity and thoughtfulness in hosting. Despite the limited space and resources, Fagan managed to create memorable experiences for her guests. “What makes the experience in a home enjoyable or unique is the personal, the handmade, the imperfect,” says Fagan.
Addressing the Culture of Flaking
One of the challenges of hosting is dealing with guests who don’t show up. Fagan emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and investing in each other to build a strong community. “You’re better off having five friends who show up, who treat you well, who invite you places, who include you, who think of you, than 50 people who are completely unreliable,” says Fagan.
Through her work, Chelsea Fagan is not just advocating for home hosting but also for a culture of reliability, reciprocity, and genuine connection. Her message serves as a reminder that hosting is not about perfection but about creating a space for meaningful and intimate connections.
