Tips for Hosts and Guests
At a small party, the hostess may introduce a newcomer to all the guests, but at a large one, after introducing a stranger to two or three people, she leaves him on his own. Unless a guests appears to be completely lost, the hostess may assume that a guest will talk to whomever they wish, either asking the people they already met to introduce them to others or introducing themselves.
There is no need to shake hands. A girl has trouble enough managing her mobile, hors d'oeuvres, cigarette, and cocktail - and hands that have been holding a drink are cold and clammy in any case.
When there is no extra help for the evening, the host is the bartender and the hostess is the waitress. She passes the trays of hors d'oeuvres once or twice, often with a close friend helping her, and leaves the food in a conspicuous spot for the guests to help themselves. The hostess must watch carefully and remove trays or dishes even before they are empty. There is nothing more unappetizing than one remaining cold, limp shrimp, or a mayonnaise-smeared platter.
To avoid embarrassment of having the guest request a drink that is not available, the host-bartender should ask each guest when they arrive, "Will you have a martini or bourbon?" rather than "What would you like?" Also, he may ask the men to refill their own glasses, as well as those of any ladies who wish another. The host-bartender will have more time to mix with the group and perform his other duties as host if he doesn't have to spend the entire evening at the bar.
Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 6 January 2012, 4:52 PM 
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: cocktail party hostess host hors d'oeuvres martini bourbon
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: cocktail party hostess host hors d'oeuvres martini bourbon
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