When we plan our parties, we spend time thinking about the menu, the music, the table settings, centerpieces and all the other little details that go into making a wonderful event. But the first thing we should really focus on is our guests. After all, that's the real reason for all the rest. Therefore, this collection of tips will help you plan for the most important detail of your party - your guests!
1. How Do I Decide Who and How Many Guests to Invite to My Party?
A reader asks: "My husband and I want to put together a little party with our friends just for fun. But we can't decide how many people to invite and which friends will get along together. Is there any rule that can tell me how I should put together my guest list?" Here are my recommendations.
2. Preparing for Drop In Guests
We've all experienced this situation at one time or the other. You pick up the phone only to discover that friends are planning, if possible(?), to drop by within a half an hour. You weren't expecting guests, and your home really could be in better shape. Do you have anything to serve to them? And what about decorations to distract them from your less than perfect entertaining scenario?
Well, don't worry. Just follow some of these quick and easy things you can do to welcome visitors into your home. And remember, you're probably the only one who is feeling uncomfortable - your visitors are too busy thinking about the fun they'll have spending time with you.
3. Hold the Raisins, Please
A reader writes that she has a neighbor who hates raisins, but how does she remember that detail when she entertains these friends? She offers a solution in this quick tip.
4. Considerations for Entertaining the Disabled
This is a time of the year when many of us want to host parties, but some of us are hesitant to entertain the disabled for fear of falls, faux pas, and complications. To solve that problem, a reader offers tips for those who entertain the injured, the frail, and the disabled.
5. Help Your Guests Help You
If you often feel that guests in the kitchen are more confusing than helpful, here's a way to change your outlook.
6. Tardy Guests
Have you ever found yourself apologizing for holding up dinner because some of your guests are late? And did you wonder how long you were supposed to wait for the guests to arrive? If so, don't let it happen again.
7. What Not to Do When Entertaining
When we think about hosting guests for a party or a weekend, we usually concentrate on the things we need to do to make the get together turn out the way we pictured it. However, we don’t always think about the things we shouldn’t do if we want our guests to look forward to another invitation in the future. We all do things that may seem perfectly appropriate when we’re with our immediate family. But what’s comfortable for you and your family, may not make your guests feel comfortable at all. That’s why I’ve put together this list of “don’ts” for hosts and hostesses.
8. Warm Hospitality
A recommendation for ways to welcome guests when it's cold outside.
