Three Hostess Hardships and How to Handle Them

Thinking of hosting a party? Here are some hostess hardships you may face, and how to handle them with style and grace.

Hostess Hardship #1: No-Shows or Extra Guests

As a hostess, you’ve likely planned your party around the exact number of guests you’re expecting. You’ve planned the right amount of food, drinks, and seating – so what do you do when you’re faced with no-shows or extra guests?

How to handle it:

The key to handling too many or too few guests is to have a contingency plan. If you have a lot of no-shows, your plan may include seating the kids at the “adult” table; maybe you’ll move the party into a cozier room in your home; and maybe you’ll put less food on the table so that the number of missing guests isn’t quite so obvious.

On the other hand, if you find yourself with more guests that you were expecting, your contingency plan may involve having some extra supplies on hand. This may be as simple as setting up some folding chairs for extra seating, making use of disposable plates / utensils when necessary, and possibly whipping up some last-minute food (like frozen appetizers) that requires minimal preparation.

By having a “what if” plan, you’re sure to handle an expanded or shrunken guest list with as much poise and grace as possible. And with any luck, your guests won’t notice a thing!

Hostess Hardship #2: Stains and Spills

One of the most heartbreaking things that can happen when hosting a party is that you wind up with red wine spilled on your beige carpet, or a big chocolate cake smudge on your ivory sofa. Accidents are sure to happen every now and then -- so what’s a hostess to do?

How to handle it:

Before your first guest ever arrives, you need to take stock of your valuables. Did you just spend a fortune on an oriental rug? You might want to consider rolling it up for the night. Do you have an irreplaceable antique tablecloth? You may want to use a cheap substitute for the night.

Once you’ve done everything possible to protect your most important valuables, you can afford to handle the occasional spill with class and style. Someone spilled coffee on your ottoman? Reassure your guest that the stain will come right out! Did someone splatter chocolate sauce on your angora sweater? Tell her not to worry – you have a fabulous dry-cleaner! No matter what happens, let it roll right off your shoulders – at least, until the last guest is gone.

Hostess Hardship #3: Children

Whenever children are involved, drama is likely to ensue. Whether it’s tantrums, time-outs or “accidents”, you may want to make special preparations for these most finicky of guests.

How to handle it:

Out-think the little critters! Do you suspect your 4-year-old guests might not like your chicken fricassee? Have some Easy Mac on hand. Do your nieces and nephews have a tendency to break into an impromptu game of hide and seek when they visit? Have some toys or games that they can play instead.

Even if you’ve made every effort to make your party child-friendly, troubles may arise – so be as accommodating and helpful as possible. You may need to open up your spare bedroom for parents to use as a time-out area. Or you may want to offer your washer and dryer (and/or some spare clothing) if a child has an accident.

It may be tough at times, but if you treat your young guests with the same level of care and kindness as the adult guests, parents will appreciate your efforts and your party will be an even greater success.