ETIQUETTE EXTRA Guide to be a good host

A few simple rules should be followed if your aim is to be a good host or hostess:
Invitations can be written, phoned, e-mailed (but only for informal parties) or delivered in person.
Invite an uneven number of people. This way, guests will not pair up on their own conversations, and everyone contributes to the conversation.
Offer guests beverages and hors d'oeuvres. During hors d'oeuvres, slip out to the kitchen quickly to get the first course on the table before the guests are asked to take their seats, unless that first course is hot -- then you would wait until the guests are seated.
Call guests to the table, and direct them where you want them to sit. Even with placards there can be some uncomfortable moments.
Follow an etiquette book for guidelines for a proper table setting. A guest should never have to move a utensil to get to the napkin.
Although paper napkins are convenient, cloth napkins are more elegant and cling better to the lap. Whether folded or secured with a napkin ring, the napkin should be placed alongside the forks or on the plate. Occasionally, the napkin may rest above the plate, parallel to the table edge. When finished with the meal, the napkin is casually laid unfolded beside the plate.
Help guests with conversation. Stop a bore from droning on. Steer away from topics that might cause arguments or offend someone.
Before dessert is served, the table should be completely cleared of all dishes from the previous courses. This includes wine glasses and condiment dishes.
The dessert fork and spoon are usually placed at the top of the plate. They would remain on the table until dessert is served.
Serve dessert and coffee cups. Place sugar and cream on the table.
After dessert, you do not need to remove the dessert dishes, unless they will be seen from the living room or family room for the rest of the evening.
Hors d'oeuvres and cocktail glasses should have been cleared already.
When guests leave, walk them to the door, say a brief goodbye and return to the other guests.