Playing the Host

Living

Have you ever visited someone’s place and never felt like leaving because the party and hostess were perfect. Well this festival season, you could get in those shoes and earn the praise by taking care of just a few basic things. Here is your foolproof guide on how to be the perfect host.


The month of September has arrived and we find ourselves once again on the threshold of our major festival season. With Dashain and Tihar just around the corner, our schedules are marked “occupied’ with shopping, cooking, visiting relatives, and most importantly playing host to our guests.


Festivals are all about families and catching up on loved ones. At this time of year, we make a point to visit our relatives, distant family members and friends. The holidays, in spite of being hectic as it always is, brings everybody together. Parties become an everyday occurance and invitations are generous and frequent. We might find our otherwise quiet house filled with people; for the dinner party, the card party and sometime stopping over just to surprise us.


Along with the merriment, celebration and get-togethers also comes the responsibility of hosting parties. The role of a host is not an easy one and we give our very best to organize the perfect party. From making the guest list to decoration and culinary chores, everything is important for a successful party. You cannot just decide to throw an impromptu party and hope it to be the ‘talk to the town’. A first-rate party is the result of detailed  planning and excellent arrangements.


 “A perfect host is one who is poised, gracious and can give undivided attention to all the guests miraculously,” says Parmita Shakya, a socialite and a member of avid party loving family. For a good party everything from the occasion to food to the guest list and the décor is important. “When my parents have parties at home, we usually ‘divide and conquer’. Mom looks after the food & beverage, dad looks after the guests and bhai and I look after the bar, décor, and music,” reveals Parmita. She loves to throw themed parties and the most recent party that she hosted was for her brother’s debut DJ performance at Tamas.


Anjali Gurung is the personal assistant of the Country Director of WFP and a successful hostess. “Everyone wants to be a perfect host, but this is something that is for the guests to decide!” says this party lover who loves to host parties and cook new dishes. Normally, she hosts her parties at her residence, which makes it feel warm and homely and plans ahead of time to ensure that the party is smooth. She along with her husband discuss the guest list, menu (what dishes to put; how many Veg/Non Veg dishes to include; allergies or restrictions etc) the venue and the type of environment needed.


Some people are born to act the perfect host but everyone does not possess such talents. For the rest of us, these tips ought to help us acquire the requisite skills:


First things first. Invitations are a major factor. Call them up or send out invites, but make sure they are updated about the timing and venue directly from you.


Cleanliness is always pleasant. Before your guests arrive, make sure to thoroughly clean the rooms as well as the bathroom.


Get everything ready at least 45 minutes before your guests start arriving so that you have enough time to wind up and get yourself ready.


Smile is a must. Greet each of your guests with an attractive smile. It makes them feel welcome and comfortable.


Decoration should be in accordance with the occasion and avoid over doing it.


Do not forget the children. If your party is expecting young guests then make sure you have something planned for them. Board games and video games are some options and take care to stock up on snacks. If you keep them busy, the chances of mishaps are lower and you might just become their favorite aunt.


Check your guests’ diet. You might be an excellent cook but if you serve something that your guest does not eat or despises or is allergic to, then your cooking isn’t going to earn any praises. Get acquainted with your guests’ diet and make sure you don’t end up serving meat to a vegan.


Always have backup toiletries for your guests, should they plan to stay over. Ask them if they will need any additional items so they are not embarrassed asking you for them later.


Get outside the kitchen. Sometimes we get so involved with preparing dinner that we spend the entire time in the kitchen. Make sure you spend some time with your visitors.


If a guest spills something on your carpet or accidentally breaks the vase in the hallway, never make them feel guilty for doing so. Decorations are just enhancements and anything can be fixed or cleaned, so don’t harp on a mistake your guest may have made. If you have really valuable objects such as artifacts, then put them away in a safe place before guests arrive.


Keep your first aid kit ready so that minor accidents can be immediately attended to.


Just keep in mind some fun things you can do with your guests. If they are visiting for a few days, look at the newspaper for fun events that may be going on around town or come up with some ideas of places you can visit to show your guests around. It’s never any fun to have that “I don’t know. What do YOU want to do?” conversation.