By Sharanda Nechole
Hosting a dinner at your home can be a daunting task. But being the social butterfly I am, I love having people and I love entertaining. This week I had four graduates come over for a Rites of Passage Dinner. The night was intimate, fun, loving and surprisingly enlightening. I must admit that I haven’t always been the hostess with the “mostess.”
I was trained by the very best, Mrs. Simone Sheats, my god-mother. If you have ever been a guest at this beautiful home you understand the art of paying attention to details and creating an environment that is second to none.
These are the top 5 things I have learned from her. Thanks Momma Sheats for teaching me how to be the perfect Party Diva!!
1. Diversify your guest list – it is key for you, the host, to make sure you introduce your invited guests to one another and find a common thread. Sometimes you may have to encourage your guests with interaction and conversation. I have at times played icebreakers or had table topics pre-planned for my special night.
2. Have a well- stocked bar – It is important to have a stocked bar. Personally, I like to have a selection of red and white wines, along with light and dark liquors. Most of my guests who come to my home request that I make my now infamous Sangria. I always try to have the ingredients on hand to make a batch.
3. Have a signature dish – my godmother and I argued a little with this idea. She suggested that you try a new dish for your guests. I complained that not everyone was experienced in the kitchen as she is. I’m not kidding this woman can cook! If you are a novice in the kitchen, I suggest you perfect that one “go-to” dish that you can serve to your guests. This allows you more time to spend on something else. If you have cooking skills like my godmother, I encourage you to experiment and try something new and fun.
4. Be prepared for extra guests – As a rule of thumb you should expect extra people to show up at your house. I like to have something quick to pull out in my freezer just in case. If you have too much left over it’s perfect for lunch the next day. I have even been known to keep takeout boxes at my house for guests to pack the abundance of food.
5. Be ready when your guests arrive – I haven’t quite perfected this rule yet but it seems to always make the night flow that much better when you are not running around the kitchen getting last minute items ready (LoL) Since you are the host for the evening it is important to do just that—host! Don’t worry about cleaning the dishes or taking out trash. It’s your night to shine. Be hospitable and enjoy your guests.
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