Little details quietly share your love and joy for your guests. Your inviting atmosphere will make guests feel comfortable… and hopefully, they will want to return!
Recently, I ventured into uncharted territory by inviting dear subscribers, whom I had never met, to two luncheons at Fox Hall. I was truly blessed to meet THE most charming, gracious, and accomplished ladies (and one gentleman) who flew in from over ten states! This poignant experience underscores the timeless essence of gracious living, which is still celebrated by kindred individuals who uplift and support one another in a traditional world. I cherished this experience! Their joy recharged my spirit and inspired me to continue sharing my secrets.
Here are my 7 Secrets!
~ How do you set clear expectations for guests you have never met prior to the event?
Before an event, I email guests about the timeline, when to arrive, and where to park. I specify the dress code and inquire about dietary needs. I also briefly outline the event: pink champagne upon arrival, a house tour, a seated luncheon, and a Q&A in the Living Room. Most importantly, I share how excited I am to meet them!
Welcome to Fox Hall!
~ How does one create a joyful welcome?
Greeting your guests at the door is KEY! Even if you have a server to open the door, be the first to greet your guests enthusiastically! Having readily available drinks in the reception area is essential because you will not need to leave your guests for refreshments from another room.
Have a few glasses of champagne and wine poured in advance and offer a glass while also mentioning alternative options like pink lemonade, iced tea, and Perrier. I arrange the drinks on a side table for a server (or me) to pour. If mixed drinks are requested, the server or a bartender can prepare them at a bar in another room.
I serve “one-bite nibbles” on pretty silver or porcelain platters with linen cocktail napkins while guests sip their drinks. Remember, delicately small hors d'oeuvres allow guests to talk easily after taking a bite… again reinforcing the goal of making guests comfortable.
~ What is the best way to facilitate Introductions?
As each new guest arrives, I make a point to remember their name and introduce them to another new guest before opening the door again. We all know what it is like to be a guest and not know anyone while standing in a house you have never visited. It can be intimidating, especially when you see pods of people already talking together.
While I’m not keen on name tags, they can help your guests read each other’s names easily. I sometimes include the city or state they are from… a simple way to spark conversation among strangers!
We joyfully clinked our glasses in the hall after I made a toast to my “pink-attired” guests, and then, we posed for a photo to capture our jubilation!
~ Why “toast to togetherness” straight away at the reception?
Clinking glasses foster a joyful sense of camaraderie! After all guests have arrived and assembled with a drink in hand, I thank them and offer a sincere welcome. To create a deeper connection with new guests, I recommend sharing a little about yourself, the organization you're supporting, or your home—its history or architectural features, so that everyone begins to feel part of the group.
~ How to seat guests that you have never met?
You can seat guests by business, age, affiliation, city or state. However, I usually have everyone choose a piece of paper that indicates one kind of Herend figurine animal before they enter the dining room. Then, they must find their appointed animal, i.e., “pink upright fox” or “blue bunny with one ear up,” to discover where they will sit. However, with several dietary restrictions this time, I chose to seat those guests at one end of the table for ease of the caterer. I decided to seat the guest that came the furthest distance, Corpus Christi, to my right as my guest of honor!
~ How to engage a “group conversation” at lunch or dinner?
Once everyone is seated at the table, I make a heartfelt toast and commence dining! Allow guests to chat among themselves, but periodically introduce captivating questions to unify the table in conversation. Consider a few topics in advance, remembering that laughter is the best “secret magic potion” for enhancing an inviting atmosphere.
~ A grateful goodbye!
Be sure to walk each guest to the door to say goodbye and express your sincere appreciation to them for coming. (Occasionally, my Virginia background slips out: ”Y’all come back!”)
Give your guests a little gift to remember the event. I arranged small vases with roses and pink flowers for each place setting and gave each guest an inscribed book. I was grateful for their visit and wanted to acknowledge their effort.
I adore all who attended the two luncheons, truly! it was such a treat to be surrounded by those who live, breathe and embrace a gracious way of life! Let’s all keep “ lovely living” alive- carry on, and don’t let it fade away!
Xx
Holly
PS Take a peek at my instagram to see more detailed images here.