Top 11+ hosting tricks from grandma we need to bring back
3) Never Let a Guest Go Empty-Handed
Show your guests around and immediately offer them a quick bite or cocktail so they feel comfortable from the jump. "Never let a guest stand around empty-handed. Offer a drink, point them to the restroom and introduce them to others. These simple acts are the cornerstones of hospitality — and perfect icebreakers," says Grotts.
5) Use Name Cards
"Personal touches — like a handwritten place card or a small token — go a long way. They show that each person matters and offer something meaningful for them to remember the moment by," says Mitchell. Plus, organized seating arrangements might even make guests more comfortable if they know they're seated next to someone they're more familiar with.
7) Introduce Unfamiliar Guests
There's nothing more awkward than going the whole party without being introduced to someone you don't know — even if the gathering is super casual. As the host, it's your job to take on that role. "Giving a bit of information about each guest was an art that grandma had down to a science and it’s still important today for a host to make proper introductions," says Gottsman.
9) Set the Table Early
Set the table the night before so you're not scrambling minutes before guests show up. "It’s something many of our mothers and grandmothers did, and it’s still brilliant advice. Setting the table in advance gives you time to focus on cooking, getting ready or enjoying a few quiet minutes before guests arrive. It also helps you visualize the ambiance and add those special little touches, like candles or flowers," says Meier.
10) Dress for the Occasion
While it certainly depends on the occasion, dressing up can set the tone. Regardless of what you decide dress-code wise, make sure you let everyone know beforehand. "Even an informal affair requires guests and the host to dress for a party and not for a trip to the grocery store," says Gottsman.
