HOSPITALITY IS MAKING YOUR GUESTS FEEL AT HOME, EVEN IF YOU WISH THEY WERE. Author Unknown

 At holiday season many of us open our homes to relatives and other loved-ones.  This can often mean having overnight guests.  While we all do it with the anticipation of creating fun times and warm memories - how can we make it a reality?  How does a gracious hostess make her home feel welcoming to her guests? 

While this topic could cover a number of things, let's just focus on the sleeping arrangements for now.   I am sure few of us have a guest room the size of this - but I love this picture (actually of the White House master bedroom during President Kennedy's term - Jackie designed it (1962)):


Image Source

 But no worry.  Remember a little space breeds good visits.  I actually think a guest room should be cozy, warm and comfortable:


Image Source

Here are some suggestions:

• prepare sleeping quarters with luxurious high-thread count sheets, an extra warm blanket to snuggle in if the bedding isn't enough, an amply supply of pillows, sufficient lighting for bedtime reading (along with a few books and magazines), a working clock, hangers and space in a closet and some other area for their belongings, a water carafe and glasses in the room, and a vase of flowers or gesture with an accompanying welcome note that says "we are so glad you are here".   Tip: sleeping one night in your guest room will enlighten you on what else would make their stay even better.
• let your children know the "guest area" is off limits - respect privacy.
• prepare bathroom facilities (first with a good scrubbing) then with more than enough fluffy towels/hand towels/face clothes, and nice (and new) toiletries (including new toothpaste/toothbrush/razor) for your guest's use.  I also include a hairdryer for the ladies. 
• stock the kitchen with a few extra treats - and let your guests know where everything is and that they are free to "help themselves".
• inform your guests of house rules that are important to you - do you allow shoes inside?  Do you want people in the living room or is the family room the preferred gathering place?  Most guests will respect your wishes.
• provide a list of phone numbers (your cell, cab service, local pharmacy, etc), along with maps and local areas of interest (museums, restaurants, etc) so they can enjoy your town, especially if you have to work during the day.  
• set aside special time to enjoy your guests! 

Do you have other suggestions to make house guests feel welcome? 

PERFECT PARTY ETIQUETTE TIPS ... JUST IN TIME

The holidays are upon us and I wanted to do a holiday party etiquette blog entry.  But where was the time?  Then Williams -Sonoma answered my prayers!  Angelina and I were shopping and we stumbled upon the most adorable serving platter and plates - with what would have been the subject matter of the holiday party etiquette blog entry!
To say we are smitten is an understatement!  Rule 1 explains the appropriate way to welcome your guests; Rule 2 discusses a proper place setting; Rule 3 reveals the art of being gracious; and Rule 4 helps you through "the fond farewell."  The platter has all four rules on it while the small plates have one rule per indivudual plate. 

Short and sweet.  Go to WILLIAMS-SONOMA and buy these today.  You will be the hostess with the mostest in no time.   While these are a fantastic start, what are other party etiquette tips that are missing?  I can see another line of dishes coming, can't you? How marvelous!

Life Is A Celebration

Grace Kelly Poster

MaryCatherine always says, "if you don't make it special no one else will either."  Toasts aren't just for weddings.  Make your entertaining much more special by doing toasts.   Champagne toasts are fun and festive.  But toasts can be done with anything, including non-alcoholic beverages.  But I still love this vintage poster featuring the stylish and refined Grace Kelly.

Set the tone and create the mood for a fabulous get-together at your home with a "welcome toast".   Make your guest of honor feel special with a heartfelt toast at the dessert course.   If your guest of honor is marvelously well-mannered they will do a "reciprocal toast" where they thank you for your hospitality.  

But public speaking often scares people - even when it is in front of friends and family.   We all have witnessed (and possibly given) toasts that have bombed.  To help avoid that in the future, remember the golden rule for toasts - begin, be brief, then be seated.  (One should stand if you are toasting at a table larger than 8).    Look at the people you are with - not at your glass - when giving a toast.

What to say?  It takes a lot of effort to make something look effortless, including giving a marvelous toast.  At the very least, and contrary to some of the sophomoric and tasteless best-man toasts many of us have witnessed, please keep it tasteful.

So do some thinking, make it personal, and it is perfectly appropriate to get some help and inspiration.   I have always liked the following poem as part of a toast:

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

What was the best toast you remember giving, receiving or witnessing?  

Summertime and the Living is Easy

With the Fourth of July often comes fun, outdoor celebrations with delicious food.  How do you eat all of the "difficult" foods while looking marvelously well-mannered? Take heart. Picnics, barbecues, and poolside spreads are necessarily casual affairs, and it is appropriate to eat with your hands.  Here are a few of the more popular foods served during the summer.  Let us know if you can think of others.

watermelon

When served in slices and with seeds, eat with your hands and drop seeds into a cupped hand and place on your plate or napkin.  If served cubed and in a bowl, then eat with a fork.

 

         corn on the cob

Butter and season only several rows at a time and eat with your hands.  Do not eat like an old-fashioned typewriter.  And do not butter the entire ear of corn at once - you will create a mess. 

     barbecued ribs

Another delicious food that is to be eaten with your fingers at outdoor parties.  We do recommend not licking your fingers.  Instead, use your napkin. 

If you are the hostess of one of a summer party, don't serve these foods when your guests will be eating indoors.  Rather, serve outdoors and provide finger bowls and extra napkins.  Your guests will be grateful.

When eating all of these - as a guest or a host - keep a sense of humor, and your napkin handy.  Happy summer everyone!