11 Mistakes No Hostess Should Ever Make (Slideshow)

When you are throwing a party, time has to be on your side. You have to make sure everything flows, even before the event starts. You cannot send out an invitation to late or too early, as both will likely result in minimal RSVPs. You also have to make sure that the entire evening runs on time, meaning that you have your house in order and ready to receive guests. 

If you send out a ton of invites to your next soirée but forget to include an RSVP request, you may be in for an interesting evening. RSVPs will help you prepare properly, even if it is a casual visit. Don't forget to include RSVP information so your guests know who to contact. 

Having people over, whether they are your co-workers or your life-long best friends can be stressful. If pots are boiling, guests are hungry, and you aren't sure if there are enough seats are just some of the many reasons to be stressed. But whatever you do, don't show it. Your guests will be able to pick up on it, resulting in them feeling uncomfortable. 

If you know you're having a party, there is no reason not to prepare for it. Make sure you've gathered all possible supplies in advance and any dishes that you are serving are ready to go in few minimal day-of steps. 

Save the experimenting for a random weeknight. Never make a dish you are unfamiliar with the night of the party. Test recipes out in your kitchen prior, and that will make for a seamless evening rather than a night of burnt plates and hungry guests. 

The absolute worst thing you can do as a hostess is not have enough. We don't just mean food and drink, though both are critical. You have to be sure to have enough servingware and enough seats to make guests feel comfortable.  

You'll get by with a little help from your friends! If you have guests offering to lend a hand, take it. Either they are naturally helpful people or you've got stress written all over your face. Whatever the case, it is best to accept the help as it will make them feel comfortable and allow them to socialize with you.

Make sure you are mindful of the guests you invited. Not only should you be considerate of their customs, you want to be sure that you are thoughtful regarding their diet as well. Check in with your guests to make sure that there are no allergy or customary restrictions when it comes the menu.  

If you're opening your home to an array of people, it is usually a recipe for success. Unless of course that is your forget to make introductions. While you aren't expected to monitor every conversation for the evening, you are expected to be the initial icebreaker. Simply introducing guests as they arrive or using place cards strategically at a dinner party can help conversation occur organically. 

When you send around your invitations, make sure that you are clear on the date, time, and location. Also, be sure you let guests know what type of event they are attending, even if it's just a simple get together. Being vague will prevent them from dressing appropriately and could make them feel uncomfortable if it turned out to be an event they normally wouldn't have attended.

We know that there are appetizers to serve and drinks to pour but forgetting to socialize at your own social event is practically a crime. Guests obviously came to see you and spend time with you, don't deprive guests of your fabulous self!