Managing an Enthusiastic Host: Tips for Booking and Handling Expectations

[Kathytnt]

I have a host this weekend that is going gang busters but I am afraid it is going to make it hard to book from her show. I think she is even wanting to make goodie bags with recipe ingredients for all her guests. I am glad she is excited but concerned her guests are all going to think they will have to do the same thing. How do I tactfully handle this??

 

[rennea]

Awsome that she is really into it. I would mention at her show, what a great job she has done and that she has gone above and beyond her "call of duty". Explain what is expected of a host. More fun people have =more bookings

Good luck!

 

[kearstin]

Sounds like maybe you should recruit her

 

[KellyTheChef]

When I have a host who goes overboard (like with a table FULL of food in addition to our recipe) I always thank her at the beginning of her show, but then say to all of the guests:

"Don't think in order to have your own show that you have to do all that Suzy did here! That's one of the things I love about PC- I can run MY business MY way and my hosts can run THIER shows THEIR way. Some people love to entertain and make lots of recipes and this is their forum to do that...others just want an informal fun night for their friends and they put out a bowl of pretzels and a 2 liter of pop. I always tell my hosts to do whatever makes THEM comfortable!"

That way, your host knows you appreciate all she has done, but guests don't feel pressured to do all that if they want to have a show!

HTH

 

[kearstin]

When I have a host who goes overboard (like with a table FULL of food in addition to our recipe) I always thank her at the beginning of her show, but then say to all of the guests:

"Don't think in order to have your own show that you have to do all that Suzy did here! That's one of the things I love about PC- I can run MY business MY way and my hosts can run THIER shows THEIR way. Some people love to entertain and make lots of recipes and this is their forum to do that...others just want an informal fun night for their friends and they put out a bowl of pretzels and a 2 liter of pop. I always tell my hosts to do whatever makes THEM comfortable!"

That way, your host knows you appreciate all she has done, but guests don't feel pressured to do all that if they want to have a show!

HTH

I like it! Thanks for sharing what you say in that situation.

My SIL did that to me a couple of weeks ago and even though I had told her ahead of time not to make a whole lot of stuff, she did and I heard some guests mentioning all that she had done. I quickly said it wasn't necessary, but you were much more eloquent!

 

[dannyzmom]

I know what you mean - I have had similar hostesses and the same fears. I think what tends to happen is that her friends know her and how she is ... so at some point - or many time - during the show you can say somwthign like "Isn't is incredible how much food Jane has put out and these amazing goode bags and ....etc...boy she has just gone above & beyond - 99% of my hosts only pick up a bottle of soda and a bag of chips...and that is great..but what a special treat she has made this for me tonight. I assure you when I come to your home to do a show for you & your friends, all you need to do is gimme your guest list and pick up a ahndful of ingredients..."

 

[ChefLisa]

When I have a host who goes overboard (like with a table FULL of food in addition to our recipe) I always thank her at the beginning of her show, but then say to all of the guests:

"Don't think in order to have your own show that you have to do all that Suzy did here! That's one of the things I love about PC- I can run MY business MY way and my hosts can run THIER shows THEIR way. Some people love to entertain and make lots of recipes and this is their forum to do that...others just want an informal fun night for their friends and they put out a bowl of pretzels and a 2 liter of pop. I always tell my hosts to do whatever makes THEM comfortable!"

That way, your host knows you appreciate all she has done, but guests don't feel pressured to do all that if they want to have a show!

HTH

Love your choice of words!

 

[KellyTheChef]

I know what you mean - I have had similar hostesses and the same fears. I think what tends to happen is that her friends know her and how she is ... so at some point - or many time - during the show you can say somwthign like "Isn't is incredible how much food Jane has put out and these amazing goode bags and ....etc...boy she has just gone above & beyond - 99% of my hosts only pick up a bottle of soda and a bag of chips...and that is great..but what a special treat she has made this for me tonight. I assure you when I come to your home to do a show for you & your friends, all you need to do is gimme your guest list and pick up a ahndful of ingredients..."

That's a great way to say it too!