A Great Party Versus A Good Party
I mean really, aren’t hostesses supposed to be more attentive to guests than to what they wear? I think people are so caught up in themselves they’ve forgotten the art of good entertaining; introducing people to each other, making sure they have something good to drink, and above all making guests feel comfortable.
I went to a party one time where the hostess was so busy getting photos done with her guests that we were left without food or good music (thank heaven there was a bar). Music and food is key to the atmosphere and can make or break a party for me.
Just think if your next hostess were to break into song like the good old days when people gathered around the piano. My friends know I’m usually good for a song or two. And food is always a priority for me; I find buffets work best, as so many people these days have weird food preferences and unheard of allergies (and it’s a heck of a lot easier). Buffets eliminate having to sit next to someone you don’t really want to talk to while waiting for your food to arrive.
If the hostess chooses a seated dinner, then I find it’s nice if the hostess seats me either next to herself if I haven’t been in her home before or next to someone amusing (dirty jokes come to mind?) Remember the good old days when people told jokes? One-liners are my favorite rather than those long drawn out stories, which only few people can tell and still get laughs.
Strategically, there is a way to invite so you have most amusing people mixed with the somewhat amusing and even then you may have to pick up the slack. And whoever says we shouldn’t talk religion or politics? I find these conversations to be the most heated and fun of all because you learn a lot more, especially about couples. When in doubt about what to talk about there is always the weather or traffic, which are boring, unless it’s a story from hell about driving through a storm. It’s always fun to gossip about people but keep it to minimum and make sure it’s good gossip, not mean gossip... you know the difference, right?
Tip: Socialize with everyone. Your job is to help the hostess create a party atmosphere. I can’t wait for the next dinner party!
I went to a party one time where the hostess was so busy getting photos done with her guests that we were left without food or good music (thank heaven there was a bar). Music and food is key to the atmosphere and can make or break a party for me.
Just think if your next hostess were to break into song like the good old days when people gathered around the piano. My friends know I’m usually good for a song or two. And food is always a priority for me; I find buffets work best, as so many people these days have weird food preferences and unheard of allergies (and it’s a heck of a lot easier). Buffets eliminate having to sit next to someone you don’t really want to talk to while waiting for your food to arrive.
If the hostess chooses a seated dinner, then I find it’s nice if the hostess seats me either next to herself if I haven’t been in her home before or next to someone amusing (dirty jokes come to mind?) Remember the good old days when people told jokes? One-liners are my favorite rather than those long drawn out stories, which only few people can tell and still get laughs.
Strategically, there is a way to invite so you have most amusing people mixed with the somewhat amusing and even then you may have to pick up the slack. And whoever says we shouldn’t talk religion or politics? I find these conversations to be the most heated and fun of all because you learn a lot more, especially about couples. When in doubt about what to talk about there is always the weather or traffic, which are boring, unless it’s a story from hell about driving through a storm. It’s always fun to gossip about people but keep it to minimum and make sure it’s good gossip, not mean gossip... you know the difference, right?
Tip: Socialize with everyone. Your job is to help the hostess create a party atmosphere. I can’t wait for the next dinner party!
posted by LuAnn deLesseps
at
6:10 AM
4 Comments :
I must say that I absolutely agree with your tips for hosting etiquette. I've hosted a number of parties of my own (with the occasional theme here and there), and they have been big successes mainly because I try to make sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time. All too often I have attended parties at my friends' houses only to end up disappointed. Granted I'm only 23 and have years to hone my party skills, I still find that I should not be the only person my age hosting a great party.
Thanks for the tips! They're fantastic!
As always, the tips are fantastic in your book. I keep a copy at home as well as our lake home as "one never knows what will pop-up." Many of us are so very grateful for your social skills - remember, it was only in the 60's or so that we had anyone!
Cynthia Butler
Birmingham, AL
cinderella.net@live.com
Was this hostess Kelly Bensimon??? *lol*
Hello Luann! I must say I really dig the show The real housewives, and you are my favorite. Gonna buy your book ASAP because you preach what I feel lack so much today. People make up their own rules, especially when it comes to the cyberspace and cellphone world; I mean I find it so rude when I post e-mails and messages and get cut off with a simple: OK answer or no answer at all.
We discussed this at work yesterday and one of my colleges told she had told her brother (who never responds to a text message) that she would stop texting him. He was quite surprised. As were they saying that the younger people never respond to text m. when they receive for instance a Happy birthday message. A simple thank you would be nice, but no, that is not common.
How rude is that???
:)
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