Comments on: Are You a Realistic Hostess?

By: Susan Dean

Susan Dean — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:54:04 +0000

Most of my friends have beautiful large homes ready for entertaining. Sadly, most of them are not willing to use their homes for this purpose. So, my home is the official party house. It has been said that it is because I give such lovely parties. While this may be true, I would like to attend a party sometime. Hosting an event does require time, skills and money. Today, Event Planners and good Caterers are now readily available to make any event an “All Star Event”! I have tried to encourage my Gal Pals to become more hospitable. Perhaps one day this will happen. Until then, I am still the High Spirited Party Hostess.

By: Madame Monet

Madame Monet — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:40:45 +0000

I’ve been busy, and don’t comment often, but just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your thoughtful and helpful articles on hostessing.

In all of your articles, you make me feel like I’ve been invited into your home, and served something delicious, and enjoyed good conversation with you!

Madame Monet
Writing, Painting, Music, and Wine
winewriter.wordpress.com

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:02:24 +0000

I think you captured all the things that make a gathering nice for me when I’m a guest - a host/hostess that’s at ease, one that offers a beverage and chats while they are preparing. I also think it adds if the host/hostess takes “oops” moments in stride - spills and the like happen, so deal with it gracefully.

I try to plan my events so there is little I have to do at the time because I like to visit. But, I also find I like to sit in the kitchen when we visit friends’ homes.

Good topic.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:39:02 +0000

No, I don’t think the “we’ll take care of everything” pitch is realistic at all. If it’s hosted in your home, you *are* the hostess, and the *hostess* takes care of everything, no matter what, in my opinion (accepting or asking for help is fine, of course, but the hostess has the final say). Frankly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I think there are plenty of ways for a hostess to stay out of the kitchen for the most part when the party is going on…mainly just good pre-prep and planning. If I do end up in the kitchen as a hostess, it’s normally to help someone find or get something asked for. I have a very small “galley” kitchen, so too many people in there with me just gets too crowded, but I know that, and I plan my parties to avoid that situation as much as possible.

Parties are a lot of work - and a “good” party is more than just a gathering of people. But with proper planning and set up, it doesn’t have to “feel” like work…I enjoy my parties as much as my guests, and really don’t work very hard at all during the party itself. In my opinion, a good hostess should be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of her planning with all the other guests, for the most part. Otherwise, there’s no point in hosting.

By: Steph W

Steph W — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:02:58 +0000

I love this post becauses it’s so true and such a good reminder! Hosting an event at home is always more work than I imagine. Usually worth it, but there is more to do than what appears on the surface.

Happy (belated) Mother’s Day to you!