By Janet Adetu

Amidst all the stress we experience every day, in a very unique way we have found our very own stress relief. We are living in an environment that if care is not taken could send you off your rocker. It seems like life is so busy there is no time to really take what they call a chill pill.

Where some will say that the social functions are too time consuming others have decided to see such opportunities to attend a party as the perfect time to rest, socialize and have a good time too. The season for partying is all year around whether it is to attend weddings,  birthdays, funerals, get togethers or corporate events the invites keep pouring in rain or no rain. What better time to get prepared and get your hosting and guest savvy skills intact.

Whether you are the host, or the guest it is important to understand the best way you can present yourself to give a good positive impression and to foster the smooth running of your party. We all love attending parties, we also realize that there is no small party today going by the financial resources required to host even just ten guests. The last thing you want is for your party to flop or your guests leaving quite upset and unattended. Keep reading as I share some strategies with you.

HOSTING SAVVY SKILLS Send An Invitation

An invitation should always be sent out to potential guests either in written form, by card, letter, email, text or social media, alternatively by word of mouth. Your invitation should be specific stating the purpose of the event or occasion you are inviting them to, the date, time, venue and dresscode if need be.

Expect A Response

Never assume that sending an invite is an automatic assurance that the guest will attend. Try to work with numbers by calling your guests a few days before to confirm their attendance. Leave a little room for contingencies regarding unexpected guests, don’t forget everybody loves the festive season it is an excuse to party without being invited. Further to this it is a good idea when sending a written invite to provide an opportunity for people to confirm attendance either by RSVP or through social media event calendars requesting whether they will attend or not.

Dress Code / Colour Code

When choosing a dress or colour code add a theme to it so people will feel more inclined to follow. Colour coding works best with similar event decor for uniformity and uniqueness.

Choosing Food

Depending on the occasion, time of day and date, your choice of food should cut across both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. If you decide to have a potluck party expecting invitees to bring along a dish, be specific as to what you would like them to bring, all to avoid duplication  and the chances that you may not have enough main dishes. Remember in the evenings not many people like to eat something heavy, with this in mind a variety of light food like barbecue and salad choices is recommendable.

Guest Arrival

As the host most of the time your guests like to see you first on arrival, try to be present at the entrance to receive your guests. It is also the best opportunity to acknowledge which guests have arrived as well as receive any host gift.

Setting the Tone

Guests will always feel welcome when the ambience of the venue is conducive, comfortable, lively and happy. Your decor should be simple, elegant, and impressive. Music good or bad can make or break a party it should flow systematically cutting across the guest categories and age groups. Likewise make sure that drinks are sufficient with lots of water to support. Once you have decided to host an event you are deliberately taking people out of their comfort zone to attend your special occasion, it is your duty to play the perfect host ensuring the smooth running of this event. You will be glad you did and guests will always remember how they were looked after in the event of a future invitation.

Link Up Friends, Acquaintances  &  Family

Depending on how large your event is there will be times your guests may not know each other. It is best for you as the host to be the first to initiate introductions. By this you give your guests the opportunity to network better and more comfortably.

Maintain Rapport and  be  Happy

Without a doubt it is very important you wear a smile and keep a cheerful face at all times. Keep the party alive by including side attractions or entertainment if possible. It is easier to keep like-minded guests together to enhance rapport and social networking. The success of a party is determined by how engaging your guests are, it is all about the ambience, flow of communication and level of hospitality.

Watch out for my Guest Savvy Skills next week. Happy Reading!