A few weeks back I wrote a article to help you freshen up on your guest etiquette. Unfortunately this is not a perfect world we live in, and not every one of your potential guests is going to get a chance to read it before they descend for the weekend. So sometimes, as a host, you have to take things into your own hands and give your guests a little nudge.
A few years back (okay, maybe ten), I was at Christie’s, the English auction house, for the Marilyn Monroe auction. They had the most intimate collection of off-beat memorabilia; one of which caught my eye and came to mind whilst thinking about this article: Marilyn would very often host parties at her home in Hollywood and she actually came up with a list of Guest Rules (rules for her guests to follow!). I was so tickled by them I scribbled them down on the back of the auction program and now I can share them with you:
- If you must indulge in gardening—use your own garden.
- Show appreciation to your hostess.
- No gossip please (“Why, she is at least 40!”).
- It is quite proper to bring a present.
- Please do not steal our cook.
- Ashtrays means for ashes.
- Even our whiskey supply has it limitations.
As hostesses, we can follow Marilyn’s lead by laying down some ground rules or parameters; this not only helps guests, but helps you as a hostess.
There are many factors here: If the guest is your best friend from kindergarten I think you both have a good handle on each others habits. However, if Aunt Joan who you only see once a year is visiting or your boyfriend invites his boss and his wife for the weekend, this is a entirely different story. But regardless of the guest, have fun with your guest rules. If they seem cheeky and are presented with a sense of humor they won’t offend, but will still maintain their effect.
Now you can sit back, relax, and enjoy having guests that are well behaved… to your specifications!
