Today’s post is all about those who host holiday parties, dinners, and get-togethers. Hosting an event can be stressful and cause the host to question how to properly entertain guests. Every host needs to make sure that they are following the proper holiday host etiquette to ensure that their guests are having a great time and leaving happy. A happy guest will ensure that they will return to other functions that you host.
Be On Time
When starting a party or serving dinner being on time is crucial. Guests will try to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the time you told them to be there. Plan to have all of the cooking, cleaning, and set up done a half hour prior to your guests arrival. This will keep you on time and all a few minutes for you to do a final walk through to make sure everything is how you want it.
Create A Comfortable Space
When preparing decorations, keep things bright and cozy. The decor of the evening should fit some sort of theme for the evening. Keeping the decor bright, and cozy will create a warm and homey atmosphere for your guests. Creating a comfortable space will help your guests open up to others that are attending.
Plan Ahead
Allow plenty of time to cook, clean, and get ready before your guests arrive. Asking guests to RSVP prior to the event with allow you to plan how much food is needed, how much space will be needed for entertaining, and you’ll know what to expect when it’s time for your event. Planning ahead will help you avoid any stress that comes with hosting a dinner party.
Be Available to Your Guests
Make sure you don’t isolate yourself with only a couple of guests and ignore the rest. You should be making sure to mingle with all of your guests to avoid seeming rude. If guests are new to your home, they may need to ask for directions to the restroom, where the drinks are kept, and so on. Speaking of drinks, make sure you never let a guests drink become empty. Ask for refills and offer to get your guests drinks when they first enter. Make sure your guests are being responsible when it comes to alcohol. If you feel a guest is becoming too inebriated, suggest switching to water or even inviting them to sleep in a guest room or the couch to avoid drinking and driving.
The host should do the following:
- Greet guests as they enter your home.
- Take any coats the guests have and either hang up or place in designated room
- Introduce the guests if they don’t know each other.
- If guests bring gifts, thank them, and place gifts into designated areas.
- The host should make sure everyone feels welcome and help start conversations if needed.
Do you host parties? If so, what etiquette advice do you have?
