How to be the best host or hostess when entertaining guests
When you are planning to entertain with a party, give some thought to how you wish to be perceived as a host or hostess. There is protocol attached to the role that needs to be followed for your event to be a success on all levels.
Decide what type of party you plan to be having; will it be formal, casual or somewhere in between? Is there going to be a theme? Some parties have a built-in theme, if they are given for a milestone event, such as a birthday or graduation. Decide upon how many guests, what type of food will be served, decorations and whether there will be entertainment. It is a good idea to also decide upon a budget so that your event does not create a financial strain, limiting your ability to have fun at your own party.
If your event is going to be formal or semi-formal, written invitations are in order. If you are throwing a barbeque or low-key gathering, the invitations can be extended by phone, email or even posted to your friends and relatives via a social network site. Do be sure to invite everyone in the specific social circle of family, friends or business associates, in order to avoid creating hurt feelings.
Communicate the dress code to every invited guest. Sometimes the occasion dictates the dress code, for example, a backyard barbecue translates to casual without having to spell it out. If you are having a costume party or a themed event, be sure all guests are aware and show up appropriately attired.
As the host or hostess, ensure to have plenty of food and drinks to accommodate all guests. Running out of edibles or drinks might be a damper on your party and your reputation as a good host.If you are having a sit down dinner, ensure to place compatible guests next to one another. If you are aware of any estrangement among family members or friends, seat those individuals at opposite ends of the table. A good host takes care to provide the best atmosphere for congeniality and good conversation.
It is up to the host or hostess to personally greet guests upon arrival and introduce them to any other guests they might not know. When the party draws to a close, again the host or hostess needs to be situated by the door to bid farewell to departing guests and thank them for attending.
If there is a guest with special dietary needs, allergies or medical issues, be sure to have foods and drink accommodate the specific diet.Have seating arranged to be conducive to conversation and be sure to have enough seating to accommodate all guests.Keep a watchful eye to ensure your party is all-inclusive, with everyone having a good time. If there are games, make sure all have a chance to participate. If conversations lag, bring up universal subjects that guests can relate to in order to get the atmosphere of congeniality going again.If there are alcoholic beverages, be vigilant about seeing that no one overindulges and then drives. Should someone become impaired, call a cab, get another guest to volunteer a ride home or offer overnight accommodations to that individual. At the very least, as the party winds down ensure to have a pot of hot coffee available. Be sure to have plenty of bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages on hand too.Make sure the inside and outside of your home is welcoming. Have adequate outdoor lighting leading to your door. Equip your bathrooms and kitchen with hand sanitizers. Make sure the room temperature is not too warm or too cool.
Soft background music and cozy lighting are the finishing touches for a comfortable atmosphere.It is fun to entertain your relatives and friends. It is even more fun when they declare you thebest hostor hostess because you have paid attention to all the details that guarantee your guests will feel special and have a great time at your event.
