Host/Hostess Duties:
Tip 1:
Find out ahead of time if any of your guests have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Tip 2:
Make a list of the things you will need to make your meal complete.
Tip 3:
Inform your guest of dress code: casual, semi-formal or formal.
Tip 4:
Have a variety of beverages on hand.
Tip 5:
Give your guests the red carpet treatment. Be at the door to greet them.
Tip 6:
Be helpful to your guests. Take their coat, sweater etc.them where to go.
Tip 7:
Circulate among all your guests. Introduce your guests to family members and to the other guests. Stay with themlong enough to get a conversation going.
Tip 8:
Show appreciation. Thank your family and friends for coming and tell them how much you enjoy spending time
with them. Thank them for gifts, contributions to the meal and helping clean up.
Tip 9:
As guests start to leave, help locate their coats and other personal belongings. Escort each departing guest to the front door and shake hands or hug. Once again thank them for coming.
Guest Duties:
Tip 1:
RSVP - "Please reply." Let your host/hostess know if you can come or not. Note: Check your calendar carefully before you reply. Changing "yes" to a "no" is only acceptable if it is an uncontrollable circumstance.
Tip 2:
Invitations are extended to the people the hosts/hostess want to invite. If it doesn't say children, pets etc. leave them at home. Only when your invitation says "and guest" may you bring a guest. If you have a guest visiting you,
and you don't want to leave them behind, you must discuss with your host/hostess ahead of time.
Tip 3:
Offer to contribute to the meal.
Tip 4:
Arrive on time. Never show up too early. If you are going to be more than fifteen minutes late, call to inform host/hostess.
Tip 5:
Be respectful. Wipe your feet and remove your shoes when entering home. Unless, directed to do otherwise.
Tip 6:
Be Complimentary.Compliment home, decorations, food etc. Be gracious and sincere.
Tip 7:
Conversations should be pleasant. No controversial and family issue subjects. Keep a happy mood.
Tip 8:
Don't Overindulge. Eat moderately.
Tip 9:
Offer to help and clean-up.
Tip 10:
Leave on time. Be mindful of the time on the invitation.
Tip 11:
Thank the host/hostess as you leave. Follow-up with a hand-written thank you note.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving. Remember your Dining Etiquette and enjoy your family and friends.
