Entertaining during the holidays can be the perfect time to get friends and family together, but it can also feel like a minefield.
The perfect host or hostess doesn’t want to accidentally offend their guests, and it’s possible for arguments or resentment to arise while hosting a holiday event.
To find out how to avoid potential missteps while on vacation, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts.
From forcing guests to take off their shoes to running out of toilet paper, these are the worst mistakes hosts can make during the holidays.
Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik told DailyMail.com: ‘Hosts are responsible for making sure their guests feel welcome and comfortable when opening their home.’
“If you cannot treat others with kindness or decency, you should abandon your attempts to entertain,” Bethany suggested.
Bethany, who founded The Charming Diplomat, an agency dedicated to improving manners, style and graceful living, told FEMAIL it’s best to never assume your guests will want to drink alcohol or eat all the food that you have prepared.
According to Bethany, who lives in Wisconsin, friendly hosts will never “force alcohol on your guests and always have an alcohol-free alternative.”
To find out how to avoid a potential holiday mishap this season, FEMAIL reached out to etiquette experts
From forcing guests to take off their shoes to dousing them with alcohol, these are the worst mistakes hosts can make
It is also never appropriate to publicly embarrass your guests if you notice that they are not participating in the food or drinks, or if you make them feel uncomfortable about their eating habits.
“If you notice that your guest isn’t eating or drinking what you’ve set out, you can personally ask them if they need anything,” Bethany said.
“Never draw attention to people’s eating or drinking habits in front of others,” Bethany continued.
UK certified etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva told FEMAIL that ‘failing to ask about dietary preferences is another common mistake that can leave guests feeling overlooked or uncomfortable.’
“As a host, it is your duty to ask for dietary restrictions, but as a guest you are also responsible for informing the host, in case he or she forgot to clarify,” Jamila explained.
It’s not just about what you say, landlords also need to make sure they’re prepared for any scenario.
The ultimate host makes sure to keep the bathroom fully stocked, because running out of toilet paper would be the worst-case scenario.
“Always let your guests know where the bathroom is and make sure it is fully stocked with toilet paper and supplies,” Bethany said, explaining that it’s best to keep all bathrooms in the home accessible in case of an emergency.
“It’s easy to avoid running out of essentials, from food and drink to toilet paper,” Jamila agreed.
Etiquette coach Bethany Skorik told DailyMail.com: ‘Hosts are responsible for making sure their guests feel welcome and comfortable when opening their home’
Certified etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva revealed to FEMAIL that ‘failing to ask about dietary preferences is another common mistake’
Jamila suggested overstocking on the basics because “it’s better to have more of everything and you can always save it for a later day or occasion.”
There are also certain topics Bethany says you should avoid, such as “past loves or relationships, especially if your guest has a new boyfriend.”
“Parents and relatives are often guilty of telling funny stories about former partners, and this is completely inappropriate,” Bethany advised.
Another no no is forcing guests to take off their shoes because they may have mismatched socks or an old pedicure.
If you live in a large metropolitan area, it is best to provide clean socks or slippers as an alternative.
“Some people may have mismatched socks, no socks, or personal reasons for wanting to keep their shoes,” Bethany suggested, adding that it’s best to “have a backup to protect your home and your ego.” protect guest.’
The penultimate host also remains quiet all evening, making the guests feel just as at home.
“If you’re stressed and panicky, the guests will notice,” Jamila warned.
‘Leave nothing to the last minute. This causes you stress and as a host you can no longer enjoy the party.’
Instead, it’s best to prepare in advance for a stress-free and festive evening.