Step1
People:
The best hostess begins her party planning by learning something about everyone she has invited. The information is vital if the party has a mixed guest list from work, social, or church organizations. You need vital information about marital status, job status, children status, political extremes, religious aversions and most importantly food allergies. People are always willing to talk about themselves if you ask. This information is vital to the first few minutes of introductions at a party too.
A successful party begins the minute a guest walks in your door. Every guest should be greeted by you and introduced to each guest by you or your spouse. The first five minutes after arrival is the most important in making a guest comfortable. After the introductions, make sure your guest has a drink in their hand before they sit down. When asking a guest what they would like to drink always list the selection of drinks available to them: soda, ice tea, wine, beer, coffee, or hard liquor. To offer a guest the generic term 'drink' leaves them in the awkward position of choosing a drink you do not have, or revealing their ignorance of alcoholic beverages. The guest is then embarrassed and says, "Oh just anything!" You are left to guess and the guest is stuck with a drink that they do not like. In the space of 3 minutes you have embarrassed your guest and turned their evening sour.
After drinks are handed out any guest that feels they should offer to help will do so. A female guest that offer to help feels rebuked when you refuse. Let them help! Performing small tasks eases a guest into the party and helps calm nervous guest. Their small task doesn't take credit from you being the hostess. On the other hand, never ask a guest that hasn't volunteered to help at your party.
Be considerate of guests that come from a lower income bracket. The guest that admires your home in an awed way may seem a little out of place. Comfort them with stories of what your life was like at the "old house" before moving. Tell them about the windows that wouldn't open and the roof that leaked. They will feel a connection to you and not feel overwhelmed by your status. Comfort in your home is the goal of any good hostess!
Step2
Atmosphere:
Make the atmosphere in your home one of comfort. Make sure the air-conditioning or heating is adjusted for the number of people in the house. A warm house is a recipe for disaster on a hot evening. People want to drink and not eat, which could lead to some very awkward situations.
If you have soft music playing make sure it is at a volume that is conductive to normal conversation. If you hear someone having to raise their voice to be heard, turn off the music. It could be that this person can't hear properly with background noise.
It is charming to have several candles burning throughout the home, but make sure these candles don't have an odor to them. Many people are allergic to the artificial smell of candles. If you notice someone sneezing, ask them if the candles are bothering them. Blow them out and take them into another room. The comfort of your guests is paramount.
Make sure the bathrooms are set up to receive guests. Have good quality liquid hand soap, and guest towels laying on the sink to be used. Don't leave your towels hanging up. People aren't allowed to use guest towels at home and hesitate to use them when visiting. Many guest will wipe their hands on their clothes rather than use your guest towels. I always rumple my towels before guest arrive to let them know they can use the towels.
Always have an extra roll of toilet paper out in full view of guests and a bottle of room deodorizer. Nothing can embarrass a guest more than stinking up a bathroom and someone waiting outside to use it. If you have two bathrooms, make sure you make them both available to guests. If you see someone waiting by the door, quietly direct them to the second bathroom. Don't yell across the room!
Step3
Organization:
Organize the flow of your party to suit the space in your home. Do not set all food, drinks and utinsals on the same surface. Stagger your foods throughout the living room, kitchen and dining areas. Guests should not be standing in line to get a handful of chips. Place the chips on the coffee table so they are constantly available to all. This will also keep guests munching through the evening. The purpose of entertaining is to provide food, drinks and conversations. Make up your own conversations areas by displaying food trays throughout the house. Your guests will always gather where the food is.
Be an observant hostess. Keep the ice bucket full and the dip fresh. Keep your bar well stocked, but keep an eye on any guests that may be getting loud or slurring their words. It is your job as their hostess to switch them to a non-alcoholic beverage in a subtle way. Give them a fresh glass of whatever they are drinking, minus the liquor. They will get the hint without you stating the obvious. If they object, then they have had too much to drink and it is time for intervention from a large male in your household. An observant hostess will not allow the situation to deteriorate to this level.
Finally a word on clean-up. Any woman not raised by wolves knows the importance of helping to clear away the clutter at the end of a party. While their actions are commendable a good hostess will wave away their offers to help with a simple, "I have all day tomorrow to clean-up. I'd rather spend a few more minutes with my guests." People mean well when they try to help, but the truth of the matter is you are the only one who knows where things go. How you like your left-overs stored can be very personal! If you can get some people to take a few goodie bags home with them. Then do your own clean-up after the last guest is gone.
Always send your guests away with a small treat to show their participation in the evening was appreciated. A sample box of candy with a simple bow, or a big cookie in a clear cellophane bag is sufficient! After the last guest has left, sit back with a glass of wine and reflect on your success and plan ways to avoid the pitfalls of the evening for your next event.
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Comments
Blackbear said
on 12/15/2007 K, you have really great articles!