The Smell Test

Before the other couple arrives, light something with a warm smell - bread, coffee, citrus peel on the stove. Smell reaches people before words do, and it softens a room fast. Skip the fuss on food: one pot, simple bread, good olive oil. Let the kitchen smell carry the evening while you talk. Years later, that same scent in a shop or a friend's house will bring the whole night back, uninvited and welcome.

Source: Greater Good