Party Etiquette: for Hosts

It's that time of year again! Regardless if you volunteered or were volun-told to hold a holiday party, it will require all your attention and strategic planning skills! What will you serve? How many people will you invite? How much booze will you need? I have some tips for to help you and your guests enjoy themselves!

Invites – For a successful party, make sure the invitations are clear and informative!  Common sense right? Maybe not…I have seen some very questionable invitations.  If you are having a pot luck or if there is a theme or special activity, make sure to state it clearly so your guests don't have to play a guessing game. Also state an RSVP date that is convenient for you which allows you enough time to prepare.

Pregame – Wanna avoid the stress? Then you have to prepare for battle. You have your guest list, make sure you have enough of…well, everything. I always say, it’s better to have too much than too little. Prep your food, have a plan, and create the most efficient setup. Preparing ahead of time also reduces the amount of setbacks the day of your party. Many of these things can be done in the days leading up to festivities!

Welcome/Care For Your Guests – It isn’t easy being a good host.  You have to balance serving and engaging your guests. Locking yourself up in the kitchen while your guests enjoy themselves is not good hosting! But you prepped ahead of time so no worries. Make sure to excuse yourself from what you are doing to give your guests the proper greeting and send off. Make sure you are aware of your guests' needs.  If cups run dry or tummies growling, refill! and most importantly, enjoy the company of the wonderful people you have invited! 

Stimulate Conversations – For your guests YOU are the common factor. Introduce your guests to each other and possibly ignite a conversation using some common ground you know about each of them.

Stay In Control – 2 words: Shit Happens. Don’t sweat the small stuff. If you are party-savvy enough to throw this shindig, you are definitely smart enough to troubleshoot any problems you may hit. Take a breath and go with the flow. Chances are your guests are probably unaware of any snags you have hit. Don’t make it a big deal. It’s not the end of the world.

Options – Make sure you are aware of any dietary restrictions your guests may have.  You've got to have some options for them too.  Have the option of non-alcoholic beverages other than water.

Be Responsible - Don't let your guests go home hammered. Or even buzzed. Call them a taxi to ensure they have a safe ride home or to the closest hotel. You can have them stay over but it's not expected. Just make sure they won't drive.

Thank Guests – Always remember to thank your guests for coming! We all know you did all the hard work but without guests, there wouldn’t be a party.  Remember to walk them to the door!