Being a Good Hostess | The Charming Homekeeper

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The Charming Homekeeper knows that being a good hostess is, actually, rather quite simple . . . when you have a no-fail plan to follow.  Here it is . . . with a time table and sample menu!

This article is inspired by a great vintage booklet that I have!  I am including this complete Party Plan for 4 Free Printable at the bottom of the post.  It includes Time Table, Menu, and Recipes.

Step 1: Write a Guest List

Make a list of guests that you would enjoy having around your dinner table. Make sure they will get along with one another. For thier comfort, be sure they ...

• fit around the table comfortably (not cramped)
• enjoy lively & intersting conversation (some variety in age, interests, etc.)
• have something in common (but not too much variety)

Sample Guest List

1. Mother-in-law
2. Father-in-law
3. Husband
4. Myself

Step 2: Send Invitations

Next, you can send invitations (see how to here) by mail or keep it simple and just telephone!  It is more friendly, and you will know right away who is coming.  

The written informal invitation:

​Dear Mr. and Mrs. Peterson,
     It would give us great pleasure if you and Mr. Peterson would dine with us on Thursday, March the tenth, at seven thirty, to see our new apartment.
     We do hope you can come.
                                                    Sincerely yours,
                                                          Marcy Peterson

Step 3: Plan It on Paper

Next, grab a pen and paper and let's plan it on paper with lists - the indispensible tool of a good hostess!  Here's what to do next:

• Make hair appointment (for day before or day of party)
• Plan your dress (pretty hostess skirt & flower in hair?)
• List guest seating arrangement
• The Menu
• The Grocery List
• The Time Table (see sample below)

​Now you have a master plan!

Step 4: Follow Master Plan

Master Plan

• Three Days Before :Plan your table, centerpiece, serving dishes and their arrangement. Check table linen and have extra knapkins on hand.  Look over party clothes.
• Two Days Before: Polish siverware.  Wash china and glasses. Clean the house.  You'll do a light clean the day of the party.
• One Day Before:  Grocery shop. Have your hair done (or next day). If you forgot to do something, you have plenty of time today to do it.
• The Day Of:  Stick to the Time Table (see sample below) for getting everything done the day of the party - and it will be a huge success!

Sample Dinner Party for 4

Here is a sample party & time table you can follow. 

Your mother-in-law is coming to dinner and you're scared stiff.  Relax!  Here's a way to shine.

Your Menu

Mock Tenderloin & Mushroom Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Chive Butter Carrots
Tomatoes Vinaigrette
Cherry Top-Over Cake
​Coffee

Time Table for the Day Of . . .

In the morning:

• Bake cake
• Prepare tomatoes, wash lettuce
• Prepare gravy, cover and refrigerate
• Set table

1 hour before:

• Get meat ready and put in oven

20 minutes before:

• Prepare coffee
• Prepare carrots

10 minutes before:

• Arrange salads
• Heat gravy
• Preapare potatoes
• Remove roast from oven

Last minute:

• Arrange food on serving dishes
• Put cake in turned-off oven to reheat

Little Extras?

• Turn on low, classical music
• Light the candles on the table
• Greet the guests with a welcoming smile

Dinner for 4 party plan - free printable

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