Whether you’re planning for a wedding, birthday, reunion, or other celebration, your goal as a host is to have the perfect day and show your guests a good time. Part of the responsibility of being a great host is knowing proper etiquette when hosting a party. The Emily Post Institute, considered by many to be the authority on etiquette from over 90 years, has several recommendations for throwing a celebration (and for being a guest at one).
Here are some general tips on party etiquette for hosts, covering everything from the invitations to the party and event rental supplies you may need when throwing a party in your home.
1. Send out invitations with clear information. Give your guests plenty of information, including dates, times, and any special instructions. For example, you might mention on the invitation whether the event is casual or formal or whether or not a gift is necessary. Make sure that they have plenty of time to give a response, and when they do RSVP, provide them with any other information that they may need.
2. Plan thoroughly. It’s important to know ahead of time how many guests you’re inviting and get a good estimate early on of the number attending. If you know anyone on the guest list has a food allergy or preference, make sure that you can meet this requirement without putting off other guests. Choose foods that you know will be a hit with everyone if culinary experiments are too risky. Before the party, no matter what size event you’re holding, make sure that everything is ready, so you won’t feel too stressed.
3. Choose a quality event rental company. Having a celebration in or outside the home is a growing option for many individuals, and more couples are choosing to hold their weddings outdoors, as well. Using your own home as a venue for a wedding or backyard party is an excellent way to keep costs down and have plenty of resources at your disposal to make your guests comfortable.
If you decide to have a party in your own home, be sure to choose an event rental company with plenty of experience and supplies for you to choose from. If you’re holding an event outdoors, you may prefer the use of a wedding or party tent rental. Indoor and outdoor celebrations are incomplete without the right number of table and chair rentals, which you can order once you’ve received your RSVPs, and party linen rentals for table cloths, runners, napkins, and chair covers can add an elegant touch to both small and large-scale events.
4. Act graciously before, during, and after the event. Virtually all events will have some guests who can’t be there. It’s best to accept this and move on from it and make sure that you focus on the guests who will be there instead. Also, stay calm: expect the unexpected, whether it’s a dessert mishap or an uninvited guest’s appearance. Thank your guests for being there, and, if necessary, send out thank you notes as soon as possible after the event.