Entertaining guests

Time and again you will end up hosting friends and families. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Saying No: It is okay to say "no" if it is not convenient to host guests. No need to give any reasons. Simply say that it is not a good time for you to host your guests at this time. Finally it is your prerogative.

2. Food: You may offer couple of cereals accompanied with fruit juice, sliced fruits and tea or coffee for breakfast. You are not obligated to serve hot breakfast.

3. Presentation: Always offer food items on platters and not in containers.

4. Presentation: Make it a practice to set the table with place mats and cutlery. It makes a good presentation.

5. Dietary Restrictions: Always check with your guests if they have any dietary restrictions.

6. Sticking to schedule: Make sure your guests are aware of meal times. You may mention that dinner will be served at around 7 PM.

7. Sticking to schedule: If your guests are sightseeing while visiting you, it is perfectly fine for you to suggest that they have their meals elsewhere if they cannot make it to your home when you normally eat your meals.

8. Remember you are not running a bed and breakfast place.

9. State Dinner: You are not obligated to serve drinks before meals everyday. It is a good idea to set aside one day when you host a "state dinner". This meal you may go all the way out in entertaining your guests. Obviously, every meal cannot be a "state dinner"!

10.Eating Protocol: Make sure all your guests and members of your family sit down and have meals together. It is not appropriate for people to eat at different times. You set the ground rules and not your guests.