In The News

How To Be a Gracious Host or Hostess

by BB Webb

What does it mean to be a gracious host or hostess?  Put simply, creating an environment for your guests to have a wonderful time.  How exactly is that done?

I come from a family of people who love to host parties.  My Aunt Sue can put out a bountiful spread of outstanding food, invite musicians friends to play and creative beverages to keep us all out past our bedtime.  My brother too is a formidable host with his annual parties held in his old mill with a place for young and old to play outdoor sports, dance into the evening and keep their whistles wet!!  I come by my love of hosting and entertaining naturally and have certainly found my playground as owner of an event venue, hosting many events every week.

A great party starts with great planning and when possible delegating and hiring in or soliciting help to make it all happen.  Like a theatre event, your guests should not be aware of the ‘man (or woman) behind the curtain,’ but rather be transported by your preparedness.

To begin, you need to create an intent for your event.  Is it a birthday celebration, a bon voyage hurrah or an ‘end of the heat in Georgia’ event held when fall finally hits the South?  Your next step is putting together your guest list and with that a budget.

A great host or hostess is a proficient organizer, planning out food, decorations, help and entertainment be it CDs, live music or games.  Following up on your RSVPs is key to having enough or not having too much food.  Sadly, if you read one of my former articles, our current culture is extremely inconsistent about RSVPing.  Be prepared to call to get confirmations if needed.

At the day of your grand soiree, have all your preparation done well ahead of time or background helpers to serve, replenish food and manage any help you’ve hired into the event.  You need to have your hair, make-up and amazing outfit ready well ahead of time and try to get your ‘other-half’ to be prepared and ready as well.  My sweet former husband Tom would periodically be stepping out of the shower when the door bell rang!

Be prepared for early arrivals, (one of my pet peeves).  Have drinks ready to go, the music playing, candles burning, hors d’oeuvres ready to serve, the air conditioning extra cold for additional bodies in the house and be present to each and every person who arrives.  Remember, they have come to see you!  Your graciousness in welcoming them, being sure they are introduced to others guests throughout the evening and having full drinks and bellys, as well as saying good-bye at the right time, are key!

So, plan to eat your meal before the event if necessary, wear your most welcoming face and have a ball knowing you are making others welcome and happy through your efforts!

Carl House Owner, BB Webb is host of “Living Life with Style,’ a local television program highlighting people making a difference in and around Georgia.  She also hosts ‘Right to the Heart with BB Webb,’ a radio program heard on Mondays from 5-6pm on 1620am or by logging onto www.radiojeffersonga.com.  Feel free to contact her with questions you have about dining, events or if you have an idea for her show at bbwebb@carlhouse.com.  Please also visit www.carlhouse.com for more information about award winning Carl House and her television show!