Being the Perfect Host

The last blog taught you the key elements for being the perfect dining guest. Once you’ve advanced in your career (partly due to your excellent guest etiquette, no doubt!), you’re now the one hosting the meal. Remember, a great host takes care of every detail for guests – just as if you were hosting at your own home. So read on, and you’ll be as good a host as you were a guest.

Pick a great restaurant for business. Ideally, choose a restaurant you know to have excellent food and service. Your image is on the line! Also, always consider your guests’ food preferences. Don’t choose a restaurant that doesn’t have vegetarian options if you know one of your guests doesn’t eat meat. What about the atmosphere? Ideally, you need an environment quiet enough to discuss business, but not so quiet that your every word will be overheard.

An onsite visit eliminates uncertainty. Make a reservation a few days in advance. Use your name, as well as the company name (this puts the restaurant on notice that this is a business meal). If you are not familiar with the restaurant, it’s a great idea to drop in before the event and introduce yourself to the staff that will be assisting you. Request a table that is away from any doors, the restrooms, and traffic paths.

Confirm and avoid disappointment. Confirm with your guest(s) the morning of (or the day before if your chosen meal is breakfast) in order to avoid being stood up. Always program their office and mobile numbers into your own phone, just in case an emergency arises.

Be early. Because you’re the host, it’s not good enough simply to be on time. You need to be early in order to make sure everything is perfect before your guest arrives.

Meet and greet. When you arrive, don’t be seated – wait instead for your guest to arrive. Let the host(ess) lead your guest to the table first, and offer them the prime seating.

Assist with ordering. Help your guest by making a recommendation of the restaurant’s specialties. Encourage a first course if you have the time. Don’t forget that, as the host, you should order last.

Be responsible. As the host, you are responsible for the comfort of your guest throughout the meal. Make them feel special! If you see that they need something, such as a refill, you should be the one to notify your server.

Paying gracefully. A great way to avoid the awkward moment when the bill arrives, is to arrange for payment in advance. Simply give your credit card to the maître d’ before your guests arrive and request that they add the customary tip. You’ll be able to sign and go with no fuss.

Parting with graciousness. You should always walk your guest to the door. Get extra credit by walking them to their car or assist with hailing a taxi. Take your leave with a great handshake.

Hopefully, we’ve equipped you with all the knowledge you’ll need to be the perfect guest and host and your next business meal.

Coming soon—Summer starts on June 21^st! Check back next week for Connie’s blog on how to maintain your professional look with the 3^rd piece without having a heatstroke.