How to be a Great Host for Renters

There’s plenty of information on how to be a great guest. But being a great host is a true skill. Sure, the right mix of music, food, drink, and lighting is key (I could talk for days about light dimmers. I won’t. But I could.), but how do you become an amazing host? Here are some tricks you can try by TravelerNest to be a great Host :

• Be the one to greet guests as they arrive or join the guest of honor in welcoming guests; this helps you learn the names and faces of those people you may not have met before (if you are hosting a wedding shower for someone, chances are there will be some unfamiliar faces) and it takes the pressure off of the guest of honor.

Hi, I’m Debra. We spoke on the phone when you RSVPd. It’s nice to meet you in person.

• Offer to take guests’ coats and purses so they are not left standing in your entryway looking for a place to dispose of cumbersome items.

I am so glad you joined us today, Stephan! Angela has told me so much about you and I look forward to catching up with you during dinner. Let me take your coat and show you into the living room. You will find cocktails and appetizers on the buffet.

• Get cocktails (when appropriate and in my book cocktails are almost always appropriate) into a guest’s hands quickly and efficiently. It’s amazing what a little champagne can do for a crowd. Especially when combined with light dimmers.

Mike, can I offer you a glass of wine or some sparkling water?

• Don’t hide out in the kitchen; if you still have work to do, ask guests, especially those who may not be familiar with the others, to help.

Jan, would you mind slicing the lemons?

• Tell guests what and when things are happening by making a short announcement.

Thank you all for joining us in celebrating Angela’s upcoming wedding. We are going to sit down for brunch in about 15 minutes – in the meantime, champagne cocktails are being served!

• Leave gift opening to the discretion of the guest of honor. Some brides or mothers-to-be may want to take the traditional route and open gifts in front of the crowd. Some may feel uncomfortable being seated in front of everyone while oohing and ahhing over china or onesies. Share that information with your guests if possible.

Angela is planning on opening gifts with Barry later this evening. I offered to open them for her but no luck!

• Avoid putting anyone on the spot by encouraging speeches or toasts or special memories or you name it. Being forced to say something meaningful and heartfelt in front of a crowd typically makes everyone squirmy. An alternative is to offer a place for guests to write a memory or thought or piece of advice

You may have noticed the book on the table in the foyer; if you have marriage advice or a thought you’d like to share with the bride and groom, I encourage you to find a few minutes to write it down for them.

• Be present during the goodbyes so the guest of honor isn’t carrying the burden alone. Oftentimes, once the first guest stands up to leave, the rest of the party starts to disperse. This is a good time to gather coats and purses and thank guests for coming.

Peter, it was a pleasure hearing about your trip to Antarctica. I hope to get there some day! Thank you for being here today.
My husband Steve was a fantastic host last week. And once my friends arrived my nerves disappeared. Along with the carrot cake and the decade known as My 50s. Smile. Laugh. Breathe. Repeat.