BY SUSAN BAKER, EVENT PLANER AND OWNER OF BLISS EVENT MANAGEMEN
The holidays are here and chances are, you are going to be a guest a few times. As an event planner, I see a LOT of guests, some great, and some I would never want to ring my doorbell. When you’re a guest, your goal is to make it as easy on the host as possible and even be a little extra when you can. Here are 6 ways to be your best guest-self, and most importantly, be a guest that gets invited back.
1. Go with the flow. This year your host might ask you to take your shoes off before going inside, have only one person serving the food, or move the entire party outside. Whatever the house rules may be this time, be mindful. Dress for the weather, wear cute socks, and come ready to party.
2. Always bring food! If your host asked you to bring something specific, stick to it or give them a heads up if you need to make a change. They’re probably depending on your amazing brownies for dessert.
3. Make sure your food is ready to serve – Cooked, in a serving dish, with the serving utensils needed. Oven space is prime real estate. Your host has spent way too much time cleaning their kitchen for you to come and fill their sink up with dishes because you “will just throw it together when you get there.” Nope. Nobody likes a “Karen” in the kitchen.
4. Thank your host – Say thank you when you arrive, when you leave, and again the next day. At least send a text, but if you want to be a hero, a handwritten note goes a long way.
5. Be extra! The host has worked hard to prepare for you. So, bring a gift if you can. People love to be recognized as a host, even your own mother! This isn’t something you need to do every time you’re invited somewhere, but for more special occasions it’s a nice touch. I usually stick to $10-$15. Here are some of my favorites to give and receive.
• magnetic wine markers – Every host needs these.
• fresh flowers
• dish towels
• simple, no-cook breakfast for the next day – muffins, bagels and cream cheese, sliced fruit, etc., just something you can pick up at the store.
• wine – no explanation needed
• charcuterie board – bring it filled with good food and leave the board as a thank you
6. Lastly, smile friends! Holidays can be somewhat challenging. If your family doesn’t always get along, especially during a year with a pandemic and an election, guess what – they’re normal. We can all take a deep breath and choose to love them where they are instead of where we think they should be. And if you can’t quite turn that frown upside down, a little liquid encouragement might do the trick.
Remember this list when you’re getting ready to be a guest and you will be guaranteed an invitation to the next party! Happy, Merry Everything! Here’s to hoping 2021 is everything we thought 2020 was going to be!
PS – To my hosts out there,
I’m cheering you on this holiday season!
This time of year is your Super Bowl!
Thank you for opening your home to family and friends.
You are killing it!
Just remember, people aren’t looking for imperfections in your home.
They are just excited to be invited.
Enjoy them!
Susan Baker
Bliss Event Management
