Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 142,341 times.
It's always fun to have friends over, whether for a casual gathering or a full-fledged party. But when you do have company, you want to create an experience that everyone will remember fondly. Being a good host ultimately requires taking responsibility for the well-being of your guests. We talked to etiquette coach Tami Claytor to find out the best tips for you to become the "host with the most."
Things You Should Know
- Make sure your home is relatively clean and clutter-free and greet your friends at the door as they arrive so they know you're happy to see them.
- Let your friends know where everything is and offer them a drink and a snack. Put your phone away and focus exclusively on your friends.
- Start cleaning up as a cue that you want to wrap up the gathering. Thank your friends for coming over and offer them a small token of your gratitude.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do you prepare a bathroom for guests?
Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachMake sure there's plenty of toilet paper on hand! The worst thing ever is when your guests run out of toilet paper and can't find a new roll. Also, think about getting disposable hand towels rather than cloth towels, so people aren't using the same cloths to dry their hands. - QuestionWhat food should I buy for a party?Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachBuy a wide variety of food that caters to different dietary restrictions! Some people might be vegan or have other specific preferences, so you want to make sure there's plenty for everyone to eat. - QuestionHow far in advance should you plan a party?Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachPlan the party early—don't wait until the last second to invite people and get everything together. As you prepare, ask yourself if you want the party to be a themed event, what the occasion is, and who you want to attend.
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about etiquette, check out our in-depth interview with Tami Claytor.
References
- ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/home/cleaning-and-housekeeping/what-to-clean-before-guests-arrive
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://etiquette-ny.com/entertaining-at-home-courteous-host-and-gracious-guest/
- ↑ https://simplyfamilymagazine.com/how-to-better-welcome-guests-into-your-home
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://emilypost.com/advice/party-etiquette-tips-for-hosts-and-guests
- ↑ https://emilypost.com/advice/party-etiquette-tips-for-hosts-and-guests
- ↑ https://simplyelegantcorp.com/blog/party-etiquette-tips/
- ↑ https://emilypost.com/advice/party-etiquette-tips-for-hosts-and-guests
- ↑ https://simplyelegantcorp.com/blog/party-etiquette-tips/
- ↑ https://etiquette-ny.com/entertaining-at-home-courteous-host-and-gracious-guest/
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 16 February 2022.
- ↑ https://emilypost.com/advice/party-etiquette-tips-for-hosts-and-guests
- ↑ https://cshomemanagement.com/tips-to-prepare-your-home-for-house-guests/
About This Article
Being a good host when your friends come over is all about making them feel comfortable and providing some home comforts. Before your guests arrive, tidy up the house to make it inviting. When you greet them, be polite and friendly. Compliment them on how they look and help take their coats. Then, offer them a drink and keep them topped up throughout their stay. You should also provide a few snacks, like potato chips, pretzels, olives, and cookies. Keep your guests entertained with things like music, TV, board games, and interesting conversation. If you haven’t already planned something, ask them what they want to do. When they leave, make sure they have everything they brought with them and thank them for coming. For more tips, including how to avoid awkward silences, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"This really helped me to be a good host. My friends seemed impressed. I could see it on their faces. I think I'm usually a good host, but this article made me realize some of the mistakes I made. So, thank you so much. I love reading on How.com.vn!"..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
