Holiday dinner… a heartwarming tradition and a nerve-racking task - for the hostess that is!!!

The joy of having the entire family at your table and being able to impress each and every one of your guests is no easy task, BUT…if you do it well, then there is no greater reward than having a house full of delighted company So in order to make your sailing a little smoother…here are so tips and tricks!!!

How to be a perfect hostess:

• Consider the guest list. You want a pleasant evening rather than one filled with  drama.
• Think of the venue. A cozy dinner or a big bash?
• Consider your menu. casual or fancy?
• Consider your invitations.  For a casual get-together a cute e-mail/text is fine. However, a beautiful invitation indicates that it a chic event ( be warned ). Plus, who has the time to send cards these days… a perfect hostess does!
• When setting a table keep things simple and chic.
• Table arrangement should not dominate the table, they are there to accentuate it.
• Candlelight makes everything look prettier.
• Allow for about half a bottle of wine per guest, but always have more…just in case.
• Wine and beer are great choices, but take a step farther by creating a signature drink.

• Stock up on coffee and tea, don’t forget to pick up a caffeine-free option as well.
• If it is a large party, be sure to make conversation with everyone.
• Introduce everyone to each other.
• Remember to always stay calm and graceful, no matter how dramatic the  situation gets.
• HAVE FUN And ENJOY YOUR COMPANY!!!!

How to look like a perfect hostess:

• Of course by looking irresistibly elegant.
• And the key to elegance is simplicity.
• Wear something that is comfortable.
• Make sure it makes you feel confident, aka little black dress.
• It is your party and you can wear anything your little heart desires.
• Always have Tide Pen to Go, either for you or your guest. Opsy moment happen too often.
• Wear a comfortable heel, a perfect host is always on-top of things and that does require a bit of running around.

BE FABULOUS…. BE YOU!!!!

Until the next post…toddles

Sources: how to live like a lady by sarah tomczak

- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm and is filed under For Your Home, Inspiration, LIV by Au Lit. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.