Opening your heart and home to family, friends and business associates is a wonderful way to enrich your relationships and strengthen friendships. Here are a few tips to follow that will make entertaining more enjoyable for both host and guest.

How to Be a Gracious Host

• Set the mood – create a warm and inviting atmosphere
• Be prepared – do as much as you can ahead of time
• Don’t argue just before company arrives
• When company arrives, welcome them in person
• Make introductions when necessary
• Encourage conversation
• Use good table manners
• Be aware of company’s needs
• Don’t spend the whole evening cleaning up while guests are present

How to Be a Grateful Guest

• When invited, never ask, “What’s for dinner?”
• Never arrive too early (more than 5 minutes) and call if you’re going to be more than five minutes late.
• Take your host a hostess gift.
• Upon arrival, be aware of host’s preference. (Offer to take shoes off if your host is wearing house shoes.)
• Be a courteous dinner guest by offering to help and using your best table manners.
• If something isn’t offered, don’t ask for it.
• If you do not care for a particular food, there is no need to mention it. Just quietly pass it on.
• When using the restroom, leave it in better condition than you found it
• Don’t overstay your welcome
• Send a thank you card within 10 days

Communication Skills for Host and Guest

• Don’t talk too much or too little
• Don’t pry or ask personal questions
• Don’t ask how much something costs
• When advice is asked, be sensitive and tactful
• If someone calls on the home phone, ask them to call back at a more convenient time
• Cell phones should be put on silent. If returning a call, excuse yourself and go to a private room.
• Never text or check messages in front of host or guests