ENTERTAINING

Preplanning is a valuable key to successful entertaining whether the event is at home or elsewhere. The main responsibility is with the hostess--entertaining should be a joy. Married couples should share in the planning, each assuming specific responsibilities. In determining the kind and size of the party, consider the amount of space you have and your budget (what you can afford). Your genuine enthusiasm in greeting your guests and a relaxed atmosphere is much more important than over-extending your budget and facilities.

The first step in actual party preparation is to decide what kind of party you'll have - then make up your guest list. At a large party, you can mix many kinds of people; at a small party, it is best to have people who know each other slightly and will enjoy each other's company. Set the date - invitations should be given a week or ten days in advance at the minimum. The type of invitation depends upon the kind of occasion. It may be written (formal or informal), telephoned, personal (verbal), or emailed. Regardless of the type of invitation, it must include WHAT, WHERE, and WHEN. If there are children, be sure your invitation clearly includes them, if they are included in the planning.

A formal invitation is always stated in THIRD person and it is issued jointly in the names of the host and hostess. The fully engraved formal invitation would read like this:

Mr. & Mrs. John Jones
request the pleasure of your company
at dinner
on Saturday, the tenth of June
at eight o'clock
(location or address)
(city and state)

R.S.V.P.

A formal invitation written by hand follows the same form as the engraved except the address is written at the bottom of the sheet on the right rather than centered. Use a double letter sheet of fine quality in white or ivory and write in black or blue-black ink.

In replying, use paper and ink as for written invitation and follow the same form. Address the envelope to the host or hosts exactly as their name appears on the invitation. When a reply is requested, you should answer immediately.

If you cannot accept an invitation, your reply states that you regret you cannot accept. It is not necessary to repeat the time nor name of the occassion; neither do you need to state your reason. However, if you accept an invitation, then have a change of plans that prevents your acceptance, a reason must be given.

Plan your menu-considering your budget, your facilities, and how you handle the serving. If you have no maid service, the menu should include foods that can be prepared in advance with a minimum of last-minute preparation. You want to be able to enjoy your guests without spending all your time in the kitchen.

Several days in ahead, check your house, flatware, dishes, linens, etc., so that they will be clean and ready without a last-minute rush. Have everything completed and in order at least a half hour before your guests will be arriving so you can receive them graciously. It is important to attend to details-make lists for marketing, seating, and what-to-do-when (in the order they need to be done).

The host and hostess should greet the guests. They work as a team in making their guests comfortable. The hostess is responsible for seating the guests and handling the meal; however the host should be alert and helpful in keeping the entire evening relaxed and moving smoothly.

Returning entertainment is not a matter of matching expenditures. It is sharing the best one has, no matter how elaborate or simple that may be. Hospitality is a "key" to successful entertaining. Hospitality is a pervading mood (atmosphere) based on genuine interest in others and on concern for their comfort and pleasure. It has nothing to do with the quality or cost or frequency of entertainment. It is the ready sharing of the best one has available, putting the guest first.

HOUSE GUESTS: It is not always available to have completely private facilities for guests; however, the guests, upon arrival, should be informed of the arrangements. Show them where they will sleep, the bath they will use, towels, etc. Allow them a few minutes alone to tidy up and unpack. If the guests have not been there before, a tour of the house will help them get orientated. Give a schedule of meals and any information that will add to a relaxed and smooth visit.

Bedtime-the hostess (not the guest) should make the first move. The guest may hint at tiredness. Guests should not linger after the host and hostess retire, unless the hostess makes the offer to you to retire later, if you choose.

Entertainment should be planned by the hostess (and host), but the schedule should leave some free time. Guests should wait to be asked, if there is to be a choice of activities.

Expenses (eating out, etc.) are paid by the host and hostess. If the visit is lengthy, the guest may entertain the host and hostess. For a weekend or short stay, the guest "repays" at a later time.

NO ONE is so important that he/she can disregard good manners!

PERSONAL APPEARANCE
CONVERSATION
TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE
ENTERTAINING
TIPS FOR GUESTS
TABLE MANNERS
EATING OUT AT RESTAURANTS
TIPPING
SPECIAL MANNERS WITH SPECIFIC FOODS
TOASTS
GETTING A JOB
BEING A BOSS OR MANAGER
ETIQUETTE AT WORK
ETIQUETTE AT HOME
DRIVING AN AUTOMOBILE

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