How To Practice Hostessing At Home (... And Keep Your Poise)
It is so easy to get flustered when having people over. You can think about all the other places you should have cleaned. Or whether your guests will like your food.
These things are rarely thought about by your guests. Of course, it goes without saying, you wouldn't want to open your door looking like you've just rolled out of bed.
But ultimately, what your guests are most looking forward to, is you!
Good friends want to see your face, relax, and catch up with you.
This gets me to the point of how we can practice our poise.
Have you ever heard of the saying, ' through action, brings clarity '. Well essentially, what it means is, you will never get the clarity of what you need to do until you actually get up and do it.
So if you are looking to practice your poise, around the home, and with your hosting, I hope you will enjoy this post.
Have you ever hosted people at your home?
It sounds simple, but it is actually quite complex. In my early 20's, I would often have my friends around after church. And it was through this, that I began to learn what needed to be done when inviting people over.
I quickly learned that I need way more serving spoons, and serving plates. Alongside the fact that I needed to cultivate an area to put people's jackets, coats, and handbags.
Here are a few things that you may need to think of when inviting people over.
1. Where will you put their items when they arrive?
2. What can you offer them to drink when they arrive?
3. Would it be wise to put place cards or a seating chart out?
4. Will you serve the food with an order of precedence?
If you are finding yourself struggling to answer these questions, why not try a " hospitality challenge"?
Here is what you can do:
Invite a neighbor over for simple cakes and tea.
Take notice of what items you are cleaning up before they come
Take notice of where you will put her jacket once she arrives.
Notice the things that you gravitate towards in the grocery store, as you know it will impress your guest.
There will be things that you don't execute skillfully, but you will learn from this, and excel next time.
Reminder: A poised host or hostess will always keep their guest's basic needs in mind. So think of the following:
1. Have your guests traveled far? If so, provide them with food and drink.
2. If you have invited your guests over, and it is not mealtime, you can put small snacks out.
3. Do not ask your guest 'if they are hungry', put light refreshments out. People like to be polite, and will not feel comfortable telling you that they are hungry.
4. Do not invite people over at mealtime if you do not intend on offering a meal.
5. Do you have nice china? Try using your china for these moments, it will make your guests feel honored & special
