The art of entertaining guests, at home, is no child’s play. Be it the welcome drink, perfectly laid out tables, a sumptuous platter of delicacies or a room filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, what does it take to be a hostess with the mostess? Life Coach and Image Consultant, Chaya Momaya gives us the skinny on entertaining at home.
1. Guest appearance: Make sure your guest list is a good blend of people from different walks of life. This gives your guests a fair chance to engage in interesting conversations. Do not invite people who, in your opinion, would try to make connections using your party as a platform or go about blowing their own trumpet or crack unflattering loud jokes.
2. Menu magic: Serving Indian food is a great idea. For instance, if you are a Gujarati, make sure you serve authentic Gujarati food. Guests typically enjoy food that has a personal touch and flavour. Also include other cuisines such as Continental, for guests who may not enjoy Indian food. If there are foreign guests, and you have pani puri in the buffet, teach them how to eat. Be attentive to your guests needs. Do not forget to attach name tags on each food item. Train your staff and spend half an hour with them to ensure they are aware.
3. Personal Touch: Sending out a personal note even if it means a text message adds a sense of warmth. Do not forget to include the date, time, address and dress code in the note. Make sure it includes a ‘Looking forward to your confirmation’ line, as well. Follow it up with a personal call. If it is a theme party or a milestone party, send out the invite a month in advance. Your guests will need to plan their social calendar. If it is a general party, give them a week’s notice.
4. Stock up the drinks: Make sure you have the right quantity of drinks and you never run out of ice!
5. Polite introductions: When your guests enter, introduce them to other guests. One of the most important signs of a good host is when you compliment your guest while introducing him/her to others. If there is a VIP at your party, don’t give him/her so much importance that the other guests feel belittled.
6. Mind your children: If you have young kids,make sure they are put to bed at a decent hour. Do not constantly talk about your kids’ talents. If your child is learning classical music, you can ask him/her to do a quick performance, as a welcome act. Bollywood performances are a big no. If you have older kids, ask them to take care of your guests.
7. Delightful décor: Bring out the conversation pieces that you collected while travelling. They make for a great way to showcase your travels.
8. Table talk: Table linen has to be crisp; flowers have to be fresh and light up the candles. The room has to be well-lit; do not create a dark mood. If it is a business dinner, then the room has to be fully lit.
9. Music moods: Music cannot be loud. Play either Indian semi-classical or Western classical music; you could even go for soft lounge music. Plan your music based on the guest list. If you are hosting a dance party, make sure there are two rooms: one for drinks, dance and music and the other for conversations.
10. Doll up: The hostess has to look glamorous. Do not give the impression that you have been working tirelessly to host a good party. Never complain about having a long day.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock
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