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Fran’s Party Etiquette Rules – For Hosts (Part III)
Fran’s 7 Golden Rules for Hosting a Party
How about a few rules for hosts? Okay, so the word “rules” might be a little heavy-handed. More like guidelines. This is a part of a series – I started with guest rules, then worked my way through a list of ideas of host gifts (very important). Now I’m on to my list of “rules” for hosting a party.
The whole goal is to avoid those things that can absolutely affect your party in a big way. Something will always happen, it can’t be avoided completely, but if you do try it will turn out better than if you didn’t. If you remember the big “rules,” then you can party on fearlessly!
- Always make sure your house is set BEFORE your guests are due to arrive. Nothing makes people more uncomfortable than watching the host scrambling to finish those last few items.
- Set a tray with glasses of sparkling/champagne/signature cocktail at the door so that when your guests arrive you can greet them with a welcoming glass of something. Nothing sets the mood for the party like this.
- Just because a guest brings a bottle of something – you are not obligated to open it. This goes for food items too. Simply tell the guest that you’ve carefully planned the menu so you will save their special “——” for another time, or that you would love to share it with them on another occasion so it will be a special event for you and them.
- I live in Southern California and you’d be amazed what some people do when they go to parties. This has happened to me and it even happened to a friend at their wedding. Your invited guest decides it perfectly fine to bring an “extra.” Be gracious to that “extra.” I am positive your friend told them it would be completely OK to come. It’s not the “extra’s” fault they’re there. Be welcoming to the “extra” and then take it up with your friend at a later time.
- Make sure you have fully stocked the powder room/bathroom that the guests will use – you know toilet paper, Kleenex, soap, hand towels, and do NOT forget the plunger. There may be that moment that something has happened in there that needs immediate attention – you don’t want your guest to have to come looking for you!
- I’m a big advocate of using candles for atmosphere – the more the merrier – but never use scented candles. You don’t know who’s got allergies (like me!) and believe me your guests will come “scented” enough.
- Make sure your playlist matches your invitation. Your invitation tells everyone what your party will be like. If you send a formal invitation don’t be playing head banging music when your guests arrive. And, if you find that your guests are having to talk over the music – turn it down a notch.
Of course, the most important rule of all (maybe #8, which kinda goes back to #1) is to chill out, smile, and have a blast. Nothing sets the mood of the party better than a happy host.
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