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The invitation sets the tone for your party. An informal invitation via email sets the stage for pizza and beer, however, a personal invitation to a birthday lunch at home, sets the stage for a more festive occasion. Of course, a formal invitation sends the message of a formal affair. It is always best to put the expected “attire” on the invitation.
Offer free standing platters of hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail portion of the dinner so that guests may mingle and you can take care of last minute disasters, such as an entree or a broken oven. Don’t despair, good guests will understand and even laugh with you (tomorrow) and drive for pizza (tonight)!
A good host never leaves her guests for longer than ten minutes intervals. Hire neighborhood teens to assist you if you are unable to prepare in advance or need extra hands during the meal.
Details such as flowers and candles always add a special touch to any event. An hour before your guest arrive, be dressed and ready to do any last minute checks such as toilet paper in the powder room, clothes hangers for coats and spare umbrellas in the event it rains on your parade.
Host Faux Pas
Saying “No Children Please” and then allowing some children and not others.
Cleaning up and washing dishes while guests are still seated at dinner.
Saying “Yes” when guests offer their help. A good host washes dishes after her guests leave.
The Perfect Host
Submitted By: Diane Gottsman
"Nationally recognized etiquette expert". protocolschooloftexas.com
The fundamental role of a good host is to make sure her guests are comfortable and enjoying themselves while also hosting a dinner or party that they will remember. If you are not comfortable with entertaining, it is best to start small, rather than inviting one hundred of your nearest and dearest. There are a few more tips on the Dinner Party page of this web site.
Being prepared is the key ingredient to a successful affair. A small cocktail party or dinner party for two is a better way to transition into larger events in the future if you not a seasoned host.
Host Etiquette - How To Be The Perfect Host / Hostess
Protocol and Etiquette Expert
Diane Gottsman is a nationally recognized etiquette professional and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in corporate etiquette training. Diane is also the author of Pearls of Polish, an etiquette guide for today’s busy woman.
Her smart, cosmopolitan approach is peppered with humor and leaves her audience wanting more. From properly setting a table to mixing and mingling with aplomb, Diane is considered the “go to” etiquette expert for career professionals. “The key,” says Diane, “is to put others at ease while presenting oneself in a perfectly polished manner.”
Diane is a sought after industry expert who is regularly featured on several morning television shows and has been quoted in national publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, Woman’s Day, Martha Stewart Living, New England Fine Living, and Live Stong, to name only a few.
Diane can be reached at: www.protocolschooloftexas.com or 877-490-1077.
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