Four Tips for Entertaining

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

01 Aug 2006 06:36 AM

When you invite people to your house, you want to make them feel at home. Greet people enthusiastically. You can say, "Make yourself at home," but you will have to help. Take guest's coats or jackets, offer them a seat, and offer refreshments. If you still have cooking or other work to do, say so. Let guests know that they are free to join you in the other room if they like, or they can simply relax or visit with others while you finish your preparations.

These tips are also good things to keep in mind:

1. Be organized and prepare as much as you can ahead of time, so you will be relaxed when your guests arrive. Make a list if necessary, so you can systematically finish each task without appearing flustered. Your guests will enjoy themselves more if you seem to be relaxed and enjoying yourself.

2. Offer plenty of food choices when serving a meal. That way if a guest doesn't care for something, he or she will still have plenty to eat. There's nothing worse than seeing one person sitting there with an empty plate. It makes everyone uncomfortable.

3. Always make more of each item than you think you will need. Some guests may want a second helping, and it is not unheard of for people to bring an extra person along without notice. If this happens, you'll be prepared, and no one else will be the wiser.

4. If you have pets, it is polite to keep pets in another area while you have visitors. Some people are afraid of animals or may even have allergies. Also, it is very awkward and uncomfortable to sit through a thorough sniffing or try to eat with a dog begging at your knee. Put your pets in another room, in the basement, or outdoors so your guests can relax.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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