Keep Guests' Comfort in Mind When Entertaining

The average person will attend hundreds of parties in his or her lifetime. Chances are a few of them will be memorable -- some for all of the wrong reasons.

Guests' comfort is something many hosts and hostesses overlook when setting up a party. Of all the details that go into planning an event, comfort is one item that is sometimes overlooked, but it shouldn't be. A guest who feels comfortable and is having a good time is likely to want to stay longer and and have good things to say about the party.

Here are some comfort factors to consider:

1. Space: When you decide on the guest list, consider the amount of space you have for hosting the party. This will help dictate the number of people you can invite. Guests should not be crammed in like sardines, otherwise they cannot mingle and move freely. It also helps to have a few "stations" to where guests can retire, whether an intimate corner for chatting, a dance floor or a place for dining.

2. Seating: Aim to have as many seats as possible for guests. If you will be hosting a sit-down dinner, obviously there should be one chair for every guest. However, for an affair where guests will be up and about and mingling, having seats for about 80 percent of the guests will ensure there will be enough for those who wish to sit while others are moving around the room. If you are planning a formal event where guests will be seated around tables, such as for a reception, ensure there is enough elbow room between guests and free space between tables. Few things are worse than dining in cramped quarters. If a table purportedly seats 12, don't squeeze 12 in, but rather seat 10 for a little extra space.

3. Temperature: A number of people huddled in a room is bound to generate collective body heat. Therefore it is wise to control the temperature carefully. In the colder months you may have to turn down the heat to keep guests comfortable. In the warmer months, this is the time to turn up the air conditioning. You won't be able to please everyone all of the time, but you can certainly try to please the masses. In terms of hosting an outside party, keep weather and Mother Nature in mind. For a backyard summertime party, for example, pay attention to how much sun and shade your yard receives. Guests may not want to sit out and bake under the sun for several hours; shade canopies and patio umbrellas would be a courteous gesture. Also, don't expect guests to want to remain outside if the temperature is extreme. Limiting the party to the outdoors (because you don't want the indoors getting messy) when the weather is unbearable is inconsiderate. You should have another place to which guests can retire if they are feeling uncomfortable.

4. Food and beverages: As varied as your guest list may be, guests' culinary likes and dislikes can be just as varied. Have a few options available for food, depending upon your menu. Some people may have food allergies or restricted diets. Knowing about these restrictions can help you to plan accordingly. Buffet-style meals give guests the opportunity to pick and choose among the foods they enjoy. Good options to have are a pasta, a poultry, a hearty vegetable dish, breads, and salad, so there are a few items from which to select. Make sure plenty of non-alcoholic beverages are included, especially if you have an extensive bar as well. You may want to have one item specifically for the kids if many are invited. However, chances are if they are caught up in the festivities, they won't be spending too much time eating.

5. Music: Loud music can interfere with guests' ability to converse and could become a nuisance. Keep mood music low enough so that voices can rise above. Also, avoid seating elderly guests next to music speakers. It could become bothersome, primarily if the music is not from their generation.

The next time you plan a party, make comfort the top priority and guests will be apt to have a much better time.