The Art of Professional Connections: Event Strategies for Successful Business Entertaining by Petersen Gloria

Author:Petersen, Gloria [Petersen, Gloria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Global Protocol, Inc.
Published: 2013-07-13T21:00:00+00:00

Guest Responsibilities

A guest can make or break a host’s efforts. Respect the invitation, and do not become your host’s horror story! It is still business. As a guest, you are responsible for responding to the invitation within three days of receipt and honoring the invitation. If your invitation is addressed to you and a friend, be sure to inform the host if you will be bringing a friend or state that you will be coming alone. If your invitation does not include a friend, call and ask if you may bring a friend. Do not be disappointed if the answer is no. The host invited the number of people his or her home can accommodate.

Keep your shoes on at the door of someone’s home unless you are asked to remove them. Too often, people feel that a party is an opportunity for them to get comfortable by removing their shoes, putting their feet on the seat of a chair or sofa, or sitting on countertops. Don’t disrespect the furniture or host!

To become the guest who is always invited back, follow these tips:

1. Attend: Never say you are coming and then not show up.

2. Children: Never assume that you can bring your children, even if you allow guests to bring their children to your home. If you call and ask to bring your children, you will put the host in a very awkward position. If the invitation does not imply that children are invited, do not bring your children, or call and ask if children are allowed. If the host replies that no children are allowed, respect his or her wishes. Even when at someone’s home, the gathering is for the purpose of building relationships.

3. BYOB: If the invitation states BYOB (bring your own bottle), do not take the bottle home, opened or unopened, when you leave. Casual gatherings often include this option as a way to defer alcohol expense. It is very difficult and expensive to provide enough alcohol options to meet everyone’s preference. Or, you can limit it to a simple beer and wine choice.

4. Hostess Gifts: If the hosts are celebrating an event or promotion, consider bringing a token gift. This gift could be a bottle of wine, a box of gourmet candies, or fresh flowers. If the gift is a bottle of wine or champagne, however, do not expect that it be opened. The host has already selected the wines that best complement the meal. Your wine will be enjoyed on another occasion. If the invitation is a housewarming, bring a gift that complements the home decor (e.g., a decorative candle, a set of four balloon wine glasses, or unique napkin holders).

5. Dress appropriately: Be careful that you do not dress too casually. The quality of the invitation should give you a clue as to the type of attire that is appropriate.

6. Participation: If the party has a theme, come prepared to participate, even if it seems silly. You want to add to the enjoyment of the party, not to distract from it.

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