Entertaining over the holidays can be the perfect time to get friends and family together, but it can also feel like a minefield.
The perfect host or hostess doesn’t want to accidentally offend their guests, and it’s possible to get into arguments or spark grudges while hosting a holiday event.
To find out how to avoid any potential holiday party hosting faux pas, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts.
From forcing guests to take off their shoes to running out of toilet paper, these are the worst mistakes hosts can make this holiday season.
Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik told DailyMail.com, ‘Hosts are responsible for making their guests feel welcome and comfortable when opening their homes.’
‘If you cannot treat others with kindness or decency, you should forego trying to entertain,’ Bethany suggested.
Bethany, who founded The Charming Diplomat, an agency dedicated to elevating manners, style, and gracious living, told FEMAIL it’s best to never assume your guests want to drink alcohol or eat all the food you have prepared.
According to Bethany, who’s based in Wisconsin, gracious hosts won’t ever ‘force alcohol on your guests, and always have a non-alcoholic alternative.’
To find out how to avoid any potential holiday party hosting faux pas this season, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts
From forcing guests to take off their shoes to plying them with alcohol, these are the worst mistakes hosts can make
It’s also never appropriate to publicly embarrass your guests if you notice they’re not partaking in the food or drink or make them uncomfortable when it comes to their eating habits.
‘If you notice your guest isn’t eating or drinking what you have displayed, you can privately ask them if they need something,’ Bethany said.
‘Never draw attention to people’s eating or drinking habits in front of others,’ Bethany continued.
UK certified etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva told FEMAIL that ‘neglecting to ask about dietary preferences is another common mistake that can leave guests feeling overlooked or uncomfortable.’
‘As a host, it is your duty to ask for dietary restrictions but as a guest, you are also responsible for informing the host, in case he or she has forgotten to clarify,’ Jamila explained.
It’s not just about what you say, hosts must also make sure to be prepared for any scenario.
The ultimate host will make sure to keep the bathroom fully stocked, because running out toilet paper would be a worst case scenario.
‘Always let your guests know where the bathroom is and ensure it is fully stocked with toilet paper and necessities,’ Bethany said, explaining that it’s best to keep all bathrooms in the house accessible in case of emergencies.
‘Running out of essentials, from food and drinks to toilet paper, is easily avoidable,’ Jamila agreed.
Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik told DailyMail.com, ‘Hosts are responsible for making their guests feel welcome and comfortable when opening their homes’
Certified etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva revealed to FEMAIL that ‘neglecting to ask about dietary preferences is another common mistake’
Jamila suggested overstocking the essentials, since it’s ‘better to have more of everything and you can always save it for a later day or occasion.’
There are also certain topics you should avoid, according to Bethany, like ‘past loves or relationships, especially if your guest has a new beau.’
‘Parents and family members are often guilty of telling funny stories about past partners, and this is wildly inappropriate,’ Bethany advised.
Another no no is forcing guests to remove their shoes, because they might have mismatched socks or an old pedicure.
If you live in a major urban area, it’s best to provide clean socks or slippers as an alternative.
‘Some people may have mismatched socks, no socks, or personal reasons for wanting to keep their shoes,’ Bethany suggested, adding that it’s best to ‘have a backup to protect your house and your guest’s ego.’
The penultimate host will also remain calm throughout the evening, so guests feel equally at home.
‘If you’re stressed and frantic, guests will pick up on it,’ Jamila warned.
‘Do not leave anything to the last minute. This will make you feel stressed and you, as host, will not be able to enjoy the party.’
Instead, it’s best to prepare in advance for a stress-free and festive evening.
