by Ginger Philbrick
You have probably had the experience, too. You know, when you have a group of friends for a party or dinner, people who you really like and you just know will all hit it off immediately….but awkward silences prevail. It can be a huge disappointment!
However, as a host or hostess, you can be ready with an ounce or two of prevention to save the occasion.
Throw out a conversation starter. If you notice a guest is not entering into the conversation, wait until there is a lull in the chatting and announce something that will likely grab the group’s attention and elicit responses. “Meghan spent three years in the Peace Corps. She was in some interesting situations.” Or, “I met Michael when we were both on staff at Lancaster High School. He was the girl’s soccer team coach.” Or, “Casey is the only native of the Northern Neck at this table.”
Introduce questions. Make it a game. When setting the table, tape a question under each person’s mat or plate. On slips of paper, pose such queries as: “When was your first kiss?” “What was your first pet?” “What was your most memorable Halloween costume as a child?” “When was the first night you spent away from home without family?”
Each guest is invited to share his or her question and the answer. The questions can be as benign or scandalous as you think is safe! Questions could also be drawn from a receptacle appropriate to the occasion, such as a baseball cap at a cookout, or a crystal bowl at a formal dinner.
Using a little more effort, and taking advantage of dollar store offerings, set a small box, gift bag, or purse at each place. In each one, put a small object. Such things as an eraser, a 50 cent piece, candy kiss or ticket stub work well. Invite guests to open their favors and either share a memory relating to it, make up a story about it, sing a song with the object in it, or be creative about various uses for it. Have fun assembling the favors and determining instructions!
Place holiday crackers. These are gaily wrapped bundles, waiting to explode to reveal the surprises tucked in them. They used to be seen only at Christmas, but lately I have purchased them for fall and summer. Usually they contain a paper crown, a joke and a miniature prize, however I blew my budget one year and bought a set that contained little handbells and sheets of music! Many a delightful picture has been taken with guests sporting the colorful crowns.
The important thing is that every guest leaves having enjoyed the time and feeling they have been respected. If they are sore the next day from laughing, that’s like whipped cream on the dessert!
Ginger Philbrick is the owner of Because You Are Polite LLC. You are invited to email your manners questions to her and she will respond as time and space allow. You may contact her at youarepolite1@gmail.com.
