Deborah OConnor February 11, 2013

There are times that as business people we need to entertain colleagues andclients. Business entertaining is different than non-business and it isimportant to avoid the pitfalls that can happen.

• Whensending out invitations be specific regarding the purpose of theget-together, the time frame, and the expected attire. Businessgatherings are not the time to show up in inappropriate clothing. It not only embarrasses the wearer, but can make guests feel uncomfortable aswell.
• Make it very clear whether a spouse or significant otheris included. The employee is responsible for their companion’s attireand they need to make sure someone doesn’t show up in embarrassingattire. It is your job and your co-workers and therefore yourresponsibility to give them direction.
• If you would like gueststo bring an appetizer or hors d’oeuvres, state this on the invitation.Most people do not mind sharing their special recipes or dishes and itcan be very helpful to the hostess. Be sure to bring it on a niceserving plate and do include any necessary utensils you may require.
• Be sure to include a phone number or email address so that guests canRSVP. What does RSVP stand for? Répondre s’il vouz plaît, which is aFrench term meaning  Please Respond. Please know that it is rude if youdo not RSVP. It appears that many  people do not, and it is very badmanners. The host and hostess need to know who is attending their partyso that they can be prepared with food, beverages, and space. If you donot respond in a week, they have every right to email or call you to see if you have dropped off the edge of the earth. Yes, it is that rude and inconsiderate to ignore RSVP.
• Arrive on time. This isespecially important for a seated dinner party. You do not want to keeppeople waiting because you were inconsiderately tardy. And it will notgo unnoticed by your boss.
• Do bring a hostess gift with you tosomeone’s home. A bottle of wine, chocolates, a candle, a book, any ofthese are lovely gifts and will be appreciated. Be sure to include acard or tag so that the hostess will know who it is from.
• Keepthe conversation pleasant. Do not bring up controversial subjects orproblems at work. Also, stay away from politics and religion. This is asocial event and everyone should be relaxed and comfortable.
• What do you do if you spill a glass of red wine on the white tablecloth oron another guest’s clothing? Do not panic. Ask for some towels for thesoiled guest and offer to pay for the dry cleaning. Tell the hostess you will pay to have the tablecloth laundered. Be sure to follow through.If you do not hear back from the person after you have offered, ask your dry cleaners how much it is to dry clean a dress or launder atablecloth and send a check with a nice note. This kind gesture will not be forgotten. Most people do not follow up and you will stand out in agood way. If you don’t follow through, you will be remembered as theperson who spilled all over the table. It’s your choice.
• Absolutely, positively write a thank-you note. It is rude not to, and you will go up in your bosses estimation.

If you use common sense and a good attitude, you can navigate any business function with flair.

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.
She will answer them in her weekly column.


Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skillsnecessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contactat:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz