The Art of Hospitality : Summertime Gatherings
By: Maureen Griffin - The Tara Stark Real Estate Group
Summertime – the season of graduations, celebrations, pool-parties and family gatherings! It feels like our calendars should clear-up with the end of the school year, but in reality, the days are longer, and the weekends jam-packed. Whether you’re hosting or attending a gathering, there’s always a special attribute that makes the moment memorable for all; hospitality. Lauren Glass, Director of Marketing and Executive Assistant for Tara Stark Real Estate Group offers some great ideas on “Making a Difference” at your next event.
- Hand-Written Invitations: “There’s something special about going to the mailbox and seeing a hand-addressed card, you know it’s something important, something just for you,” says Glass. We live in an e-vite era where emails can be overlooked in our flooded inboxes. Taking the time to select an invitation, or even more personalized to design it yourself, says to your guest, “I’m putting my personal touch on this party because my friends and family are dear to me.” Besides, isn’t it much more fun to see a colorful envelope in the pile of bills and bulk-mail we receive every day?
- A Piece of the Party To-Go: There’s numerous names; party-favors, SWAG, merch, trinkets…call it what you want, but if it’s something meaningful and useful, you’ll have guests saying “Yes, please!” “These parting gifts should be in-line with the theme of your gathering,” advises Glass. If it’s a Tea Party at High Noon, a sweet gesture could be loose leaf herbal tea with an infuser. Birthday parties are notorious for loot bags for kids, but don’t forget the adults! Who wouldn’t enjoy a party bag of flavored popcorn? Formal events, such as weddings or banquets are great opportunities to glam it up with personalized glasses, coasters or personal-sized bottles of bubbly.
- Thank You Notes: You know if we suggest a hand-written invitation to extend hospitality, we’re definitely going to recommend a personal “thank you note” following your event. If you’re really crafty, feel free to peruse through Pinterest and create an artisan card complete with handmade envelope. If your heart is larger than your creative gene, browse the aisles of your local greeting card or stationery store and select something just as special yet easier to send. Glass reminds us to make it personal, “Don’t go generic on the card, include something from a conversation you had at the party, thank them for their specific gift or dish they brought, make it unique to them. A thank you card doesn’t have to be long, three sentences after a greeting is plenty. Remember it’s about quality rather than quantity.”
Party-planners, hosts, and guests all have the opportunity to demonstrate hospitality at their next gathering. Embrace a gracious heart and spoil those around you; you’re sure to make a lasting impression and make a difference!
