What stands out at the best events you’ve attended, be they dinner parties or backyard barbecues? It’s the ambience, the conversation, the connection, and the fun. When it comes to being a fabulous hostess, it’s about much more than simply food.
Socialization Savvy
The first rule of being the best host or hostess you can be is simple: Be there. Plan the event so that you aren’t chained to the stove. If you have to be in the kitchen, and the space is large enough, have the pre-party there.
Ideally, greet guests when they arrive and hand them a signature cocktail—with a nonalcoholic option also available—to wet their whistle and encourage party chatter. Go beyond “make yourself at home” and give them a tour of the house—“the appetizers are in the living room, here’s the bathroom, the guys are out back at the grill,” etc. Lead them to a group and get a genial conversation started before you have to head off to greet the next guest….