5 Things You Can do to Make Your Guests Feel Special
Tips to Practice Excellence in Hospitality
Have you ever turned up at an event, whether it be in a home, a business, church or sporting game and ‘didn’t feel the love’ from the host?
Perhaps it’s just me but I can put my hand up for all those situations.
So instead of whinging about it, I decided I will do all I can to always make people feel welcome whether it’s in my home, at my workplace or sports event.
Here’s 5 things you can do to create an atmosphere around you that makes people feel welcomed and special.
Always greet your guests at the front door.
There’s nothing like your host greeting you with a big smile, a warm embrace and letting them know what a joy it is that they can join you.
Direct your guests as to where they can leave their bag or coat.
It’s an awkward situation if your hands are full with a bag or coat and you are ushered over to the drinks and mezedes table and you have no free hands to pick up a drink or sample the tiropita.
Time the food to be ready within 20 minutes of the guests arriving.
My guests always know I will be cooking up a feast, so they arrive hungry. Set aside time for the mezedes and drinks but don’t wait too long to serve up the main food.
Your guests deserve the best, tidy up!
Now this may trigger a few of you but hear me out. I know life is busy and the house can get out of control. That’s all cool, I get it. But if you’re having guests coming, it’s so nice for them to walk into a house they can enjoy and not be worried they will slip over a piece of Leggo or sit on a couch smothered with vegemite or step on the dog’s poop out on the back patio. If you have kids, get them to help you clean up. The development of self help skills is priceless!
Alway cook enough to have left overs.
There’s nothing more embarrassing for the host or guest to not have enough food. In our culture we have a saying, ‘if you have leftovers, you’ve succeeded.’ And if you’re anything like me and you’ve been cooking for days, you’ll appreciate the left overs for the next couple of days because you’ll be too tired to cook.
Of course there’s many more ways to make your guests feel welcomed. I look forward to you sharing them with me.
Happy cooking friends!