Excellent Hosting Etiquette
We all know what it feels like to attend a beautiful event at someone’s home. It could be for a dinner gathering with old friends or a child’s birthday pool party - some people just know how to create the spaces and experiences that stick with us.
We’ve seen Martha Stewart, Joanna Gaines, and now Meghan Markle inspire generations of people to welcome people with open arms and share intentional time together.
Hosting doesn’t need to involve the fanciest house, the most expensive food, or the most educated guests. What it does require is your commitment and enthusiasm to staying organized, thinking ahead, and being a graceful host.
Here’s a collection of some hosting guidelines. Most of these apply to a dinner-party style gathering but can also be applied to other times when inviting guests into your home.
Excellent Etiquette begins before guests step through the door:
Be clear and direct when sharing information about the event. Are you inviting guests through mailed invitation? Text? Email? Make sure to include all the proper details like date, time, location, and attire (if applicable).
Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Remember that these people are coming to your home - if you have a guest allergic to dogs and you have two golden retrievers running around - you’ll want to know this information beforehand.
Plan and prepare as much as you can ahead of time. A rushed and frazzled host doesn’t bring much joy to guests. But if you are able to prepare the table, reserve any entertainment or rentals, and choose your outfit a few days before, you’ll feel great about having less on your plate.
As guests arrive:
Greet each person individually with warmth and kindness. Depending on what kind of event your hosting, it may be appropriate to leave the front door open and guests come in on their own. Other times it’s better to keep the door shut and answer each time someone arrives.
Offer to take their coat and a place to put their bags. Receive any gifts they’ve brought with gratitude and excitement.
Give a simple tour of the space, especially the location of the bathroom.
Offer something to drink and point them in the direction of an appetizer table.
As things get going:
Introduce guests who may not know each other. Great connections can be made in an intimate home environment, so try and pair up people who you think could have great conversation.
Engage in non-confrontational conversation. Your job is to keep people talking, but make sure to steer the direction if needed.
During mealtime:
Announce when you’ll be serving dinner and direct people to where they’ll be sitting.
Manage the pace of the courses, not rushing things and making sure everyone can enjoy the meal.
Offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options.
You can have some candles lit and quiet music playing to help set the ambiance. If your meal is taking place outside, make sure your guests have access to sunscreen or bug spray to stay comfortable.
Wrapping up:
As stated before, don’t rush your guests. If they’re lingering and having good conversations around the table, don’t force people to relocate unless totally necessary.
Be present with your guests, no need to get up and clean entirely. Let dirty dishes wait - it’s more important to engage with your friends and loved ones.
Express your gratitude and appreciation. It can take a lot of coordination for a group to gather, so sharing your feelings will remind guests how important it is to gather in community.
If appropriate, follow-up communication like a thank you card or email.
