Setting the Table: Being a Gracious Guest

As part of the continuation of our popular Setting the Table series, we asked our friend Lauren to teach us how to be a great guest to an event. She is an amazing party planner and host. She's always having people over for casual events to elaborate parties.

I met Lauren when we were toddlers in ballet class. She actually is the reason that Jamie and I met and became friends!

Enjoy,
Ellen

I truly enjoy being a guest just as much as hosting any soirée.  If there’s a celebration, I’m there.  Sometimes being able to kick back and relax versus ensuring that everyone has a full cocktail in hand is a nice change of pace. But it’s important to remember that being a good guest comes with experience and thoughtfulness too.  Like knowing when to arrive and realizing the appropriate time to leave, being helpful if needed, and most importantly showing your appreciation for a fantastic evening.

There are many fabulous tokens of appreciation you can give a host such as:  gorgeous flowers (it’s always best to send them ahead of time) or something indulgent like a spa manicure set for the hostess to pamper herself after post party dishes.  Although all of these things will be truly appreciated, I think the most important is a thoughtful handwritten note. One that is not only prompt, but also personal.  These days we often resort to emails and texts to say our thanks, but we all know how extra special it feels to receive a handwritten card in the mail.

I recently created some personal stationary that I can easily print at home on a heavy cardstock.  It was extremely simple and very inexpensive to make.  I purchased a digital pattern online to use for the monogram and envelope liner.  I chose one from Gidget Designs on Etsy.  Now I always have cute stationary on hand so there is never an excuse for a late correspondence!

Cheers, 

Lauren