What do all great parties have in common? Aside from the good food, great music and enjoyment of guests, all these factors would not have been possible without a great host/hostess. A host makes all these positive elements happen. Oftentimes, they are so busy ensuring the enjoyment of guests; they may even forget to take care of themselves. Check out these tips to ensure your party does have the "host with the most"
1. Dress The Part. Regardless of your guests’ attire, you should dress like the person who is calling the shots, the one who runs the show. After what may have been weeks and months of planning, you owe it to yourself! The flashier, the better! View your party as a chance to improve your social situation. By wearing a show-stopping outfit, who could forget you?
2. Smile. A great smile and winning attitude are keys to party hosting success. A smile indicates you are having fun, and that type of warmth can make even the shiest of strangers feel at ease. So go ahead, flash that smile, let people know you're having fun and set a positive example.
3. Work The Room. Unless you have mass consumed alcohol, a party is a perfect networking tool! Parties can unite people who may not have met otherwise, and the casual nature of most lends itself to easy conversation. If you happen to be hosting, go ahead initiate conversation! It's your party, and you can control conversation if you want to!
4. Don't Let Them See You Sweat. Take this tip literally! Excessive sweat could indicate anxiety over hosting, which will not bode well for any host with leadership event organizing aspirations. Wear something "cool" or do regular bathroom checks to ensure your body isn't deceiving that well rehearsed air of confidence.
5. Don't Drink Excessively! Being trashed at your own function discredits yourself and implies even the host needs to be drunk to enjoy his/her party. Show yourself and your guests a little respect, and limit your drinking for the evening. A glass of wine or toast of champagne is fine, but don't drink more than one alcoholic beverage per hour. Ultimately, you know your own limit. And don’t cave into peer pressure either!
6. Be sincere. Remember the best thing about a host is their ability to listen to guests, not just a fake impression hearing what they have to say. Listening to guests serves two purposes. First, it shows you are genuinely interested in what the guest has to say, and second, a guest could be providing you with some important party feedback. People can tell the difference when you genuinely pay attention or just go through the motions. It would be very embarrassing to get caught. Also, remembering the fine details is a great way of making any guest feel important. (example remembering someone is a vegetarian) And they will take that to heart!
7. Organized wins the race. Planning a party doesn't stop once guests arrive. In order to ensure evening long success, you will have to do regular food and drink checks, making the once around the room at least every hour to ensure no guest is feeling inadequate or uncomfortable. Be prepared! Stock up early on party item essentials such as drinks, snacks and even toilet paper!
8. Be Responsible. Whether you realize it or not, you are accountable for the safety of guests at your party. It is both polite and thoughtful to call a cab for someone who has had one too many, and to ensure overall safety of guests. In these types of scenarios it's best to use the old adage, treat others as you wish to be treated. Would you want to be publicly shamed for accidentally bumping into a vase? Probably not. A good host may exercise this golden rule, and a great one will live by it.
