Entertaining Guests

Entertaining guests means being a gracious host or hostess from the moment your guests enter the door throughout the evening.You want them to feel as though they are at home. Here are some tips:

1) Before they arrive, check your lighting and perhaps the fireplace lit to add ambiance and warmth to the room.

2) After a warm greeting and offering to take their handbag and/or remove coats so that they feel comfortable, you then offer them a drink. This is why it is important to know in advance what your guests drink so that you have exactly what they enjoy.

3) Let them know where the powder bath is and place guest towels in it for their use. As your hors d'oevres are laid out bring your guests to a comfortable seating area where everyone can enjoy the cocktail hour. Keep the cocktail hour exactly as it is referred to - 1 hour - prior to serving dinner. You never want to rush guests from the door to the table.

4)As cooking has its timing so does entertaining. When it is time for serving dinner, bring your guests to the table assisting where they should be seated. You may have prearranged named place cards if you prefer certain people together or decide to let your guests sit wherever they feel comfortable. It is my preference to announce where my husband and I are seated and then invite my guests to sit where they would like in between. If you see hesitation on their part, then guide them.

5)While seated, remember to always check for refills with water, wine and bread. If there is an opportunity to serve seconds, then offer this to your guests. Remember to remove plates only when all your guests are finished with that particular course. Pass the butter if you think they need it; offer the salt and pepper; pass the bread if their bread plate is empty. Muster conversation that includes everyone.

6)Wait a little in between finishing the main meal and serving dessert. Offer coffee or tea (be sure to have cream or milk, low cal sweetner, sugar, and lemon, available.

7)Offer to leave the table to another room where you can serve after-dinner drinks and continue the conversation until your guests are ready to depart.

Your attentiveness to your guests' every need is the most important part to "entertaining" properly.