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Entertaining at Home Socially • If you are proud of your home and like to entertain, hosting a party is the way to go. • Home entertaining makes for a good opportunity to mingle with friends and clients. • Entertaining large or small groups is like being the star of your own play, placing your home at center stage. • It's a time for you to plan the party yourself or to delegate to a party planner and/ or caterer for assistance. • The more social your house looks and feels, the more festive your party will feel. • You want your respective guests to be flattered into believing that you spent time decorating. • Begin by making your invitation look social. • Formal invitations not only have the advantage of promising luxury, but also create more of a feeling of social obligation than logo-covered machines. You know the ones I’m talking about? Invitations that look transferable don't flatter anyone. • I prefer to hand write mine or use a calligrapher especially if the group if a small one. • Address the invitations checking spellings and addresses. • Your invitation, whether it be written or by phone, should be precise as to the occasion, date, time, place and dress. • Always let your guests know if there will be a guest of honor and who that person will be. • Location, food, drink and manner of service should be chosen to reflect your style of entertaining. • Expect your guests to shoulder their share of social duties. • If more than 50 persons are invited, have a receiving line. (See Receiving Line Etiquette). Duties of the Host • Let your guests know what to expect in advance. • Organize your party and guide your guests through it. Introduce the, to one another and always make sure they are comfortable. • Be alert to your guest's needs: they should never feel neglected or unwanted but very special. Duties of the Guest • Don't be shy. Introduce yourself and meet as many people as possible. • Greet your host first but don't monopolize their time. • If the host is busy, introduce yourself to the other guests. • Follow your hosts lead. If they offer you a drink, accept even if you only have a sip. • Network with all guests, and avoid talking only with persons known to you. You were invited for a reason, so make your presence known! • Be conversant and look as attractive as possible. • Don't make the mistake of depending on your host to keep the conversation going. They invited you because they thought you had something to contribute to the party. In other words, 'sing for your supper.' • Upon departure, always find your host to thank them before you leave. Short and sweet is ok, but it's your duty to say goodbye. • The next day, telephone to say thank you and follow it up with a note within 48 hours so the message is not forgotten.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
