DOS & DON’TS

Of Summer Entertaining

When it comes to summer entertaining, I’ve come to learn that there are some things that are tried and true “Dos” and some definite “Don’ts.” Here are some rules to live by when planning your summer soirées that will make any event memorable and hassle-free!

DO PLAN AHEAD. Make lists of the menu, bar essentials, and décor. Hosting a party should be an exciting and enjoyable time. Being ill-prepared leads to stress, and if the host is unprepared, this stress will pass on to everyone involved.

DON’T CHARGE GUESTS TO OFFSET THE COSTS. You are the host, not your guests. Period. Consider co-hosting if budget is an issue. If you want a Parisian birthday party, then make Paris your theme; unless you’re planning on flying your guests to Paris, don’t expect them to pay the costs. Doing so is a major faux pas.

DO HAVE A THEME. Immerse your guests in an escape they’ll talk about for years to come. A theme also gives your event direction, helps in menu and décor decisions, and makes planning easier.

DON’T SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHOUT FOOD TO SNACK ON. If you are hosting a cocktail party during dinner hours (6–9 p.m.) and not serving dinner, offer hearty bites. If your event is late in the evening, light bites and sweets are the exceptions. Allowing your guests to drink on empty stomachs is irresponsible.

DO PERSONALIZE. Small, personalized details make guests feel special; and having guests’ names in front of them ensures that everyone gets to know each other. Whether simple place cards or menus, party favors or glassware, a personalized touch takes your soirée to the next level.

DON’T IGNORE YOUR GUESTS. They’ve come to see you! Be visible and available.

DO SEND INVITATIONS VIA MAIL. Not to say that electronic invitations aren’t effective, and they are indeed far more affordable; however, a tangible invitation that one can hold engages guests. If done right, your invitation will create buzz, and guests will feel like they are a part of something special.

DON’T SEND OUT INVITATIONS LATE! Your guests need time to schedule. This is especially the case when hosting an event in the summer months. Two months out is perfect. At the least, send your invitations no less than one month before your party.

DO BE ATTENTIVE TO DIETARY RESTRICTIONS. Nothing ruins a party like a sick guest. A simple “please advise of any food allergies” at the bottom of your invitation will suffice.

DON’T USE HIGHLY SCENTED FLOWERS. You may love freesia and tuberose, but nobody wants to be inundated with them, especially when eating. Except for the powder room, scented candles, oil diffusers, potpourri, and strongly fragrant flowers are best left out of the party.

DO MAKE A SEATING CHART. When hosting a sit-down luncheon or dinner, conversation flow and guest compatibility are essential for a memorable time. Having place cards with their names ensures everyone feels welcomed and thought of.

DON’T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING. If necessary, delegate small tasks to others or hire help.

Dr. Karen Horton is an internationally board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, a fitness enthusiast, proud mom to fraternal twin girls, and devoted wife of over 26 years. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, “Dr. Karen” relocated to San Francisco in 2005 for her final year of surgical specialty training. A surgeon’s daughter, she is proud to have built a successful, women-focused boutique private practice in Pacific Heights. Featuring a brand new Quad A-certified, fully equipped operating room, Dr. Horton offers her patients the highest level of aesthetic care, both surgical and nonsurgical, in a modern, bright and discrete setting. She considers it an honor and a privilege to care for her patients! To learn more about Dr. Horton, visit www. drkarenhorton.com and follow her on social at @drkarenhorton.