Hostess Greeting Tips

This week, I’ll be sharing A LOT of “hostess with the mostess” tips for a bridal luncheon. This wedding season is so full and whether you’re a bride, mother, maid, guest or aunt, you’re sure to find lots of tips for entertaining, hosting, decorating and dressing. To start this week, let’s talk about some hostess greeting tips.

links to items in this photo: Fig and Dove monogrammed wreath sash // Little Green Fern Company preserved boxwood cross wreath // classic doormat in 72″ long // wreath hanger // LaRoque strawberry striped maxi dress // braided neutral heeled sandals // M Donahue Collection earrings // more about my paint colors and porch design in this blog post

Adorn Your Door

Greeting your guests actually starts just before they enter your home. Be sure you adorn your door so that a) guests recognize which house is the location of the party and b) set the tone for hospitality.

links to items in this photo: Fig and Dove monogrammed wreath sash // Little Green Fern Company preserved boxwood cross wreath // wreath hanger //

My favorite way to dress up my entrance and porch is with a classic preserved boxwood wreath from Little Green Fern Company paired with a monogrammed wreath sash from Fig and Dove.

This classic combo is season less–it works all year– and never goes out of style! It allows guests to easily locate your home and gives a warm, southern welcome upon entering your house.

Check out more wreath sashes from Fig and Dove. Use the arrows to see them all. If you’re reading this in email, click over to the blog to see all the options.

Even if you’re not hosting a wedding related event, these sashes make beautiful decor for the home of the bride or even for the church or reception! As the family who is hosting, a sash and wreath would be beautiful on your home the week of the wedding as another celebratory nod and festive touch!

Beyond hosting, I plan to use my wreath and sash for special holidays, like Easter! I can’t wait to pull it out again!

The Key to a Proper Welcome

It may sound impersonal, but the key to a proper welcome is providing instructions to your guest upon their entry into your home. It may be obvious that they’re attending for a shower, engagement party, luncheon, etc., but giving them a clear direction of where to hang coats, where the bar is, when you’ll be opening gifts will make them feel welcome and at ease–and we want guests to feel relaxed in our home and enjoy their time!

links to items in this photo: Fig and Dove monogrammed wreath sash // Little Green Fern Company preserved boxwood cross wreath // classic doormat in 72″ long // wreath hanger // LaRoque strawberry striped maxi dress // braided neutral heeled sandals // M Donahue Collection earrings // more about my paint colors and porch design in this blog post

I like to plan what phrases I’ll be saying to guests as they enter my home. Here’s a few that I think are very important:

• I’m so happy to see you! or I’m so glad you’re here! An immediate greeting with this truly makes guests feel welcome especially if it’s someone you may only be an acquaintance with. We never know how nervous someone may be to show up at a party (think about it, I’m sure you can think of at least one time when you had a party to show up to and you were a little anxious) and this can alleviate those party jitters.
• I’ll be happy to take your coat and purse and set in my guest room. or May I take your gift and place it with other presents? If your guest arrives toting extra layers or gifts, it’s necessary to lighten their load. No one wants to walk around a party carrying all that! If you do take their coat or purse for them, be sure to offer to allow them to grab them phone or first (it’s a prime time for pictures) or perhaps they want to keep their purse. Also, be sure you tell them what room you’re placing these items so they can get them on their belongings on their own if they need to. I like to motion to my guest room so they also know where it is. Bonus points: include the location of your restroom in your request. Would you like me to take your coat and place it in my guest room? It’s this first room in the hall across from the bathroom. Following up your greeting with this information will make a person feel right at home! They are welcomed and know exactly where their coat will be and where the bathroom is!
• We’ll be opening presents in about thirty minutes in the living room. or Help yourself to the bar on the deck. After you’ve greeted your guest and taken their coat or gift, tell them where to go. Again, they may know what the party is for but it eases all party jitters for them to know where food and beverage is located and any activities that will be happening. Again, we never know what’s going on in another person’s mind or if they need to just drop in briefly so giving them the 411 upon entry let’s them enjoy their time and relax.

links to items in this photo: Fig and Dove monogrammed wreath sash // Little Green Fern Company preserved boxwood cross wreath // classic doormat in 72″ long // wreath hanger // LaRoque strawberry striped maxi dress // braided neutral heeled sandals // M Donahue Collection earrings // more about my paint colors and porch design in this blog post

These are so important, regardless of party size! If you’re hosting a party all on your own, providing these instructions to your guests will alleviate the burden of doing it yourself. I speak from experience! Even if guests seem to arrive all at once and I’m placing someone’s coat or gift in the next room and the next guest arrives while I’m not near the door, the guest I previously greeted is able to pass on the instruction. It works so well!

If you’re hosting with a few friends, be sure you delegate these items to you the fellow hosts. It may be necessary to designate two greeters at your door for a large party– one to take coats and one to take gifts.

Final Hostess Greeting Tips

In all my years of planning professional events, I discovered that first impressions and proper greeting truly set the tone for the event. It’s the start of a good time and you want all guests to feel welcome! Do you have any tips to add about greeting guests? Fill up the comments section so readers can get more tips from all of us!

Which wreath sash is your style? I love that little bunny for Easter and the many monogram options for year round! If you’re having trouble seeing the photos below, click over to the blog.