How to Honor Your Party Guests

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: When your guests arrive

   Thank them for attending
   - in particular, if they have traveled a long distance to help celebrate (considering the event
   - across town is far for a dinner party, from the country areas is far for a birthday party while interstate or overseas is distant for a wedding, etc.) Remember, if they weren't there, it wouldn't be a party.
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   Step 2: greet them warmly at the door - take their jackets and compliment their appearance.

   (eg. instead of "Sarah, this is John; John, this is Sarah"
   
   try "Sarah, this is John, he likes to rock climbing and watching grass grow; John, this is Sarah, she has a pet rock and plants grass in her back yard".) Memorable and relevant information is better than "John this is Sarah, she is a vegetarian.
   
   Sarah, John is a butcher who could probably show you the best way to slaughter a cow."
   
   This goes for dessert too
   - if you have a gluten intolerant guest, think about having meringue for dessert rather than cake, etc. , If you have a friend who doesn't drink alcohol, consider buying some top range juice cocktail or cafe blend coffee beans.
   
   If you are happy to spend $20 on a bottle of wine for 4-5 glasses, why not spend $10 on some good coffee beans, which will have leftovers after the party (and could assist in the recovery the next day)? , Keep it short and simple but make sure you think about it. , Truffles, as suggested by Cassi from Chocolate Creations (see above), are a good option; mini cakes or little cup cakes are a good idea, too; but once again, consider dietary needs. , Nothing worse than getting home to find you left your house keys in the pocket of your jacket in your friends dining room on the other side of town. , Offer them a lift to the train station or a few of you walk them to the bus stop and wait with them.
   
   Don't let friends who have been drinking drive home; order them a taxi or a place to sleep. , Your party/celebration wouldn't have happened without them.
   
   Make sure they know they were appreciated, not just another number to fill the house.
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   Step 3: When introducing them to one another

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   Step 4: add a small piece of personal information about them.

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   Step 5: When you are planning a menu (a meal or just snacks)

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   Step 6: make sure you consider your guests dietary needs

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   Step 7: even if it means offering an alternative dish - the thought will go far and will leave a much more pleasant feeling than an empty belly.

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   Step 8: Same considerations should be shown for beverages.

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   Step 9: Make an inclusive toast that mentions the friendships in the room.

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    Step 10: At the end of the meal/party

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    Step 11: present each guest with a token favour.

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    Step 12: Ensure each guest takes their coat and bag.

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    Step 13: Ensure they have a safe way to get home.

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    Step 14: Finally thank them for coming.

Detailed Guide

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