Hosting
It’s not easy playing host, especially when you’re trying to fulfill other party-planning duties simultaneously. But no matter what the evening throws at her, Esti Parsons, co-owner of Radius, Via Matta, and Great Bay, is always a gracious, attentive hostess. Hospitality is the secret to her success; she defines the skill as “being able to take people’s coats and get people drinks right away, and just being organized enough to foresee anything that people might need before they know it.” You might not have the computer system she relies on at her restaurants, but you should be able to pinpoint the preferences of your party guests. Know their favorite cocktails, if possible, and if they have any dietary restrictions — they’re sure to be impressed with your attentiveness.
As for preparations, do as much as you can in advance. “If I could have the entire room set with the food out a day before, I would,” notes Parsons. That’s a bit extreme, but do try to take care of as many details as possible before guests arrive: have seating charts finalized, place settings arranged, your outfit laid out. That way, once your home starts filling up, you’ll have time to actually enjoy your friends’ company. That’s why you invited them, right?
As host or hostess, you’ll want to be sure to keep moving among your guests — no matter how tempting it is to just hang in the corner with that sexy coworker of yours who you can’t believe actually showed up. And if, by chance, you come upon someone who’s not having the greatest time, try and gauge how to make things better — whether it be with profuse apologies, a fresh drink, or an introduction to a chatty friend. But don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you’re at it.
