Hosting Decorum

This is the fun part - what all the work has been leading up to! When your guests arrive and the fun can begin!

Divide and Conquer - If Possible

We are lucky enough to have two of us when we are hosting, which means we like to divide and conquer the roles. If, when hosting, that isn't possible, there are other ways to maybe think about doing things which can actually contribute to the overall decor of the room - for example, we like to have one person in the room to talk to the guests and one person behind the bar. However, if there is only one host, it may be better to have the cocktails or mocktails (if they are being served) already set up at a station for guests to grab them so that the singular host doesn't have to be stuck always mixing drinks. If things need to get done in between courses, how can one person perhaps help clear the table while the other person starts the prep? Or, again, if in a singular hosting position, can that prep be limited to turning the oven on to reheat and then the clearing be done?

Make a Seat at the Table

As I have said before, it is largely about the guest experience first but now I will introduce a new element - they are your guests so they will likely want to interact with you. As much as the host will have a lot going on, if possible, try to put some of that to the side to interact with those you have brought there - they will want to spend time with you and they want to see that you are having fun as well. This is the time to revel in your moment. If the host makes it totally about the guest experience, I think it can be really easy to lose the joy of why you are hosting. I remember one time John and I didn't put ourselves into the seating chart - we thought we didn't get a chance to sit down much during dinners anyway...it was a big mistake. We felt like we weren't part of the party; like we only belonged on the sidelines. Make sure to enjoy your time with your guests - they can revel in your accomplishments and your failures with you.