Last week I received a call from one of my old roommates asking if she and her husband could stay at our place while they were in town for the wedding. Seeing as we have an oh-so-lovely pull out sofa bed, we welcomed them with open arms.If I learned anything from my mother, it is how to be a hostess. I had visions of Whatever's baked french toast for breakfast on Sunday, playing games well into the night and enjoying each other's company.
We wound up meeting with friends at a buffet in town before going to the wedding and watching "Taken" after the wedding. Plans were made to eat out for breakfast the next morning, so the french toast went out the window. It may not have been my original plans, but it was more than fantastic either way. We got to enjoy the company of one of my best friend's and get to know her husband.
My question to everyone is:
How do you make people feel comfortable when first arriving at your home?
I find it so awkward when offering drinks and food with the response of "no." This is almost always followed by awkward small talk in your living room. What is the trick? I don't expect them to feel at home immediately, as we have all felt awkward when arriving to someone's house, but I do want to get rid of that whole awkward feeling. Any tips?
4 comments:
I try to have some candles buring, the makes a nice warm glow. I also have one of those glade oil candles in a nice homey smell. Invite people into the den not the formal living room, if possible.
Try to chit chat about things that maybe interesting to them. Sports teams, etc...
Hostessing is not always an exact science, but it is fun and gets easier with time. The more relaxed you seem, the more relaxed your guest will be. Just be yourself.
Oh and I saw that movie Taken. It was pretty good.
Ooohhhh thats a toughie...we usually migrate towards the kitchen...it's so much less formal than the living room. people tend to open up in the kitchen more...and we have food out waiting that way its already available and doesn't make them feel pressured to take it, but usually they will!! other than that I would just talk up a storm!
i usually try to put together a welcome basket which usually has a local magazine, a puzzle book, a pack of cards, a tea cup and some bags of tea. maybe some chocolate if i can scavange some. i even sometimes put bath salts (not blood red though!) in a little baggy. the basket always help to make the awkward segway smooth. :) and ps - you get super brownie points too!
Post a Comment