How To Be The Perfect Host

Step 1: Dress appropriately

The minute your guests walk in the door, they will form an impression of what kind of party this is likely to be. What you wear is as important as what the room looks like. If you are aiming for a formal event, this should be indicated on the invitations, and you should dress accordingly. As the host you are entitled to be more overdressed than underdressed...

Step 2: Welcome your guests

When your guests arrive, greet them at the door and welcome them in. Offer to take their coats. You should have a room set aside to store coats for the evening. Send them through to the party room while you place their coats in the coat room.

Step 3: Serve the drinks

As the host, it is your responsibility to make sure everyone has a drink. The perfect host will keep an eye on what everyone is drinking, and go round with a bottle and a jug of water to top people up where necessary. This is also a great way of making sure that no one drinks too much and that everyone gets their fair share. Glasses should only ever be filled up to two thirds, but if you spot someone who appears to be drinking quickly, then only fill their glass half way or less. At a formal gathering it is very rude for the guests to help themselves - and if you're the perfect host then they shouldn't have to.

Step 4: Mix people up

The perfect guest should be keen and able to mingle perfectly well without prompting; however you may find that selective groups form over the course of the evening. If you find this to be dampening the party spirit, then it is your responsibility to mix things up a bit. Find two people who you would like to meet each other, and introduce them. Watch VideoJug's "How to introduce people" for more information on this. Once those two individuals are talking, you can move on to find your next victims.

Step 5: Be attentive

The art to being a perfect host is in the attention to detail. Every so often cast an eye around the room to make sure everyone has everything they need. If someone appears to be sitting on their own, go and talk to them - and introduce them to a few people.

Step 6: Delegate

If you are throwing a large party you might be unable to do everything yourself. In this case you should delegate responsibilities to members of your family or a few trusted friends. Remember, many hands make light work!

Step 7: Have fun!

Your guests will look to you to set the tone of the party. If they see you looked tired and stressed then they will feel uncomfortable. Likewise, if they see you having relaxing and having fun then they will follow suit. If you are properly prepared and have delegated appropriately, you should have plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the party.