What Makes A Great Host?

Going to a friend's 30th birthday over the weekend left me thinking about the host's - birthday boy - innate ability to look after all his guests and sincerely have a wonderful time. Truly remarkable.  He chose to accommodate everyone's needs over his own even as the guest of honor.  It's hard not to look in the mirror and ask yourself, "How do I rate myself as a host when we have friends and family over for the holidays three times per year (Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)?"

Here are a few qualities that make a great host:

1. Greet every guest upon arrival
2. Hang their coat
3. Receive gifts and be grateful (e.g. putting flowers into a vase, gifts on an assigned table, opening and reading the card, food on proper plating and table for everyone to share, etc.)
4. Remember everyone's name and address them accordingly
5. Ask and deliver their drink order
6. Introduce them to guests nearby
7. Rotate and spend time with every guest
8. Ensure each guest feel comfortable as if it were their own home
9. Anticipate their needs (e.g refill, washroom, garbage can, food, etc.)
10. Ensure no guest is alone or without conversation
11. Appear that you are having fun and not just being the server
12. Pack-up care packages for their absent significant other
13. Say goodbye to parting guests and thank them for coming
14. Essentially make all your guests feel like it is their birthday!

When we strive to provide the same level of attention and care at our business as we do at home, mostly because it is instinctual, that is when we'll become an operation that people remember and talk about.