Taylor Swift's 9 Entertaining Secrets

Image via Daily Mail/Taylor Swift

She may be only 24 (well, for another month, anyway) but, when it comes to throwing a party, Taylor Swift is an old soul (exhibit A: that throwback red apron she’s baking cookies in above). To celebrate the recent release of her 1989 album, the Grammy winner hosted fetes for her most devoted fans all around the country. Not in a studio or a club or a hall, but in her various homes (yes, she has a few), the old-fashioned way. And not featuring a fancy sit-down, but, rather, simple apps and treats, many made by Swift herself. Here’s what we’ve learned from the “Shake It Off” singer about pulling off a successful shindig.

1. Make an Entrance

Image via Daily Mail/Taylor Swift

Swift didn’t join her guests immediately, instead letting them mingle and sample finger foods as excitement built. Then she made her grand entrance, to the delight of revelers. The takeaway: Let someone else handle taking the coats and doing initial “hellos.” As long as your guests have drinks and nibbles, you can put the finishing touches on your makeup, attend to last details, and sip some champagne before you appear for the official welcome. Bonus: Try to make your entrance at the top of a staircase.

2. Keep Food Simple

Image via Food Network

The singer kept the menu fairly basic, serving sushi, pizza bites, and sliders. (Maybe she got the recipe from her pal Ina Garten?) Adding to the comfy vibe, guests sprawled on floor pillows as they ate. Why not serve finger foods as your main meal? The clean-up will be easier (no utensils!).

3. Let The Cat Co-Host

Image via Daily Mail/Taylor Swift

Swift wisely let her prized kitties – Meredith and Olivia Benson – take center stage at the fete. Kittens are surefire crowd-pleasers! So if you have friendly pets, don’t lock them away. They might be party animals!

4. Set the Mood with Candles

Image via Barney’s

Awestruck fans said Swift’s abodes smelled like “Christmas.” Her go-to candle? Le Labo’s Santal 26, a blend described as “gentle, smoky, and leathery.” Find your own signature scent and load up to ensure your house smells amazing the night of your fiesta.

5. Personalize It

Image via Etsy

Those aforementioned candles? The songstress had hers stamped with the word "Taybeca," a nod to the Tribeca location of her NYC apartment. We wouldn’t suggest going that far, but adding a bit of customization is a nice touch. Try DIYing a monogrammed candle wrap (like the above) or embossing personalized napkins.

6. Dance, Dance, Dance!

Image via Daily Mail/Taylor Swift

The highlight of Swift’s bashes was when she took to the floor to break it down with guests. Take a page from her book: Push aside the furniture for an impromptu dance party. It loosens everyone up – and burns off all those sliders you ate!

7. Set up a Photo Booth

Image via Taylor Swift Instagram

Now that the party is on, it’s the perfect time to capture all the goofy fun. Swift snapped Polaroids with visitors (even letting them hold her Grammy!). You can use your phone to take photos of guests and then e-mail them to the group later. 

8. Break for Baked Goods

Image via Daily Mail/Taylor Swift

As the night wound down, Swift called a sweets break, bringing out the homemade chocolate-covered heart-shaped Rice Krispies treats and chocolate chunk-coconut cookies she’d made earlier. Sweet treats are, for sure, the perfect way to end the night.

9. Send ‘Em Home with Swag

Image via Taylor Swift Instagram

OK, so not everyone has a new album and tour goodie bags to give guests, as Swift did. Still, it’s a thoughtful gesture to send people home with a little something to remember the night, even if it’s just the recipe for the cookies you served earlier!