Everyone loves a fabulous dinner party and there are a few key tips that lead to success for any host or hostess. Exceptional first impressions are essential for your guests – so remember to indulge all their senses.

• Scent – select wonderful candles and spray that smell delicious. Never use scented candles on your dining table it will compete with the aroma of dinner.

• Sight – candles also play a large role in creating the mood of the party. Also displays of beautiful florals in strategic locations throughout your home is a special touch. Make sure your flowers are not at a height of distraction on your dining table. If so, your guest will not be able to see over the flowers to carry on conversation with the guests across the table.

• Sound – select the perfect music to accommodate the celebration. Make sure to turn the music to a level that does not overpower the conversation at the dining table.

For the invited guest:

• BE ON TIME! It is a huge faux pas to be late for a dinner party; however, if you have an emergency, call immediately to let the host/hostess know you will be late.

• As soon as you receive the invitation, let the host/hostess know if you are allergic to any foods, pets, or scents. • Bring a host/hostess gift. (Do not bring flowers unless they are in a vase.) This is a small token of appreciation for the time and effort of hosting the party.

• Everyone—turn your cell phone on manner mode. (Must I say this again? . . . Yes, I must!)

• Never bring a guest with you without getting prior approval from your host/hostess.

• Do not start to eat until everyone has been served and your host or hostess picks up his or her first utensil. • Do not dominate the conversation(s) at the dining table. Allow others to talk, too! Make it a point to talk to the person on each side of you for the same amount of time.

• Compliment the host/hostess on the food. (Don’t go overboard—your compliments will sound insincere!) • Pace yourself—never eat faster or slower than everyone else.

• Never eat and run; stay to visit after the meal.

• Remember, if you must drink—know your limit on alcohol and do not go over it.

• Write a thank-you note to the host/hostess immediately afterwards. For the host/hostess:

• Invite each person at least two weeks in advance—that is, if you want to be considered a good host and hostess. • Meet each guest at the door—the welcome sets the tone for the entire night.

• Make proper introductions.

• Sit on each end of the table, or across from each other at a round table.

• Instruct the guest of honor (should you have one) to sit to your right.

• Take into consideration each guest’s personality so the conversations will flow. In other words, do not seat two introverts side by side, and you should not put two drama queens together.

• Also, remember to seat your guests male/female and to seat couples apart.

• Place cards are appropriate so your guest knows where to sit, or verbally tell each guest their designated seat. • The host/hostess should remember that he or she is not required to open gifts in the presence of company (also, you are not required to send a thank-you note for this gift!)

• FYI--You know you are not a candidate for “Socialite of the Year” if you have a BYOB dinner party or a potluck dinner!

Joy Weaver is renowned etiquette expert and author of “Just Ask Joy… How to Be Socially Savvy in All Situations.” Her book is highly endorsed by Jean and Zig Ziglar. Joy is a regular guest on ABC’s Good Morning Texas and the CBS/11 Early Show. Ms. Weaver is nationally published, and has been featured on ABC’s “The View,” in the Associated Press, New York Times, USA Today, Dallas Morning News, and The Dallas Business Journal. Protocol Enterprises/Just Ask Joy is based in Dallas, Texas and has been serving clients across the country since 2000.

www.justaskjoy.com