The role of the host
Published: Sunday | March 22, 2009
Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
In the world of entertaining, the role of the host is almost always paramount to the success of the party/reception. The buck stops with the host.
As seasoned hosts will reveal, the real strength of any function, especially intimate ones, lies in who makes the guest list! Unlike their younger counterparts who believe that a successful do is due primarily to good food and great music, seasoned entertainers know that an event will sink or swim based entirely on the composition of the guest list. Food and music are merely mood enhancers and not necessarily the primary ingredients for success. So the seasoned entertainer begins planning by first deciding on a list.
It's a foolish host who, in putting together a guest list, does so without variety. While a gathering of 'A-crowders' makes for an impressive list, these are usually people who are already quite familiar with each other. While they will be comfortable with each other, left together, they might prove a social disaster, as one primary ingredient of any successful event will be missing - stimulation!
The perfect list
So the successful host will go to work on the list and will bring to bear his/her own social skills and discernment to create a perfectly balanced list of people. When brought together under one roof and in an intimate setting, these guests will stimulate each other socially and intellectually.
The perfect list will be drawn from the intelligentsia, the literati, the glitterati, the artistic, the socially adept, the single and attractive and of course, a character or two! Resist the idea that all of one's friends, family and or business associates are always suited for inclusion at your social gatherings. There are occasions such as family gatherings or office parties reserved exclusively for their inclusion.
Once the guest list has been settled the next priority item is the location, the single most important determinant in the success of a business. Well, the same principle applies to a successful event.
In this respect, tripe and beans may well be your favourite dish, but it is hardly appropriate to invite guests over for dinner and it is your entrée. Apart from the fact that it does not make for an elegant dish, it is an insult to the sensibility of others who might not share your culinary passion(s) and/or taste.
Here, the rule of thumb is:
Restrooms - Should be properly identified and be monitored to make sure they are in a serviceable condition at all times. They should be properly equipped with hand and face towels. There should be visible adequate supply of paper and soap for eventualities. And always remember that well-placed scented candles can be gems in trying circumstances. Introductions - When it's a case of people meeting for the first time, it is the host's responsibility to introduce guests to each other, and in doing so, provide a little background material on each guest in the process. It is important to note that the host is the master choreographer at the event. As the only common denominator, he or she must circulate from group to group, individual to individual at all times. The host must keep everyone interested by the process of cross-fertilisation as the ice-breaker and deal clincher!