Effortlessly Impress Your Guests with These High Maintenance Host Tips

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and strategies related to managing host expectations and menu planning for cooking shows. Participants share their personal experiences with demanding hosts and offer various menu ideas and approaches to handling recipe requests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a host with specific dietary requests and a large guest list, expressing frustration over menu demands.
  • Another participant suggests sticking to one recipe unless a certain number of guests is confirmed.
  • Several users mention the importance of offering limited recipe choices to hosts, particularly when new to the role.
  • One participant shares a successful experience with a show that had only two guests, highlighting the potential for outside orders to boost sales.
  • Another participant discusses the pressure from a demanding host and how they navigated the situation by setting clear expectations about the number of recipes based on guest confirmations.
  • Some participants agree that chicken is a suitable recipe choice for guests with dietary restrictions, particularly diabetics.
  • One participant shares a lemonade recipe that can be made using a specific product, suggesting it as a good option for larger groups.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle host demands, with some participants advocating for clear boundaries while others emphasize flexibility in menu planning. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from their own shows, reflecting a range of strategies and outcomes based on individual circumstances and host interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating challenging host situations or seeking menu ideas may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their own practices.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
Man, I am getting them ALL lately.
This one has provided me with a guest list of NINE people. And now is making all sorts of demands about the menu...

"The apple berry salsa sounds good - I have a few Diabetics and a few people on very strict diets......can we cook something also and do the salsa like you did at Angie's.......I think that will go over well. Maybe something to do with the holidays...........like a starter or a side dish or something............Is there anywhere to find recipes on your web-site?? "

Suggestions????
 
Tell her the recipe(s) that you will be doing. Do something that you want do do!
 
Just tell her that you do one recipe unless it is guaranteed you have X # of guests in attendance. However, she is welcome to make other things and have them there to serve on her own.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Oooooh!
I have an idea!!!!
Chicken in the DCB...then make trimmings: shred cheese on UM or DCG, dice tomato using Tom Knife, make pass around salsa, um, um um what else? And serve all those in the SA pieces...and let people eithe rbuild their own little sammy's using small dinner rolls OR make tortatinis and grill 'em on the grill pan/press!!
Whatcha think!?!??!
 
That sounds like a great menu.
 
What did you offer for recipe choices--or did you give her free reign? I am new and have only practiced a few, so those are the ones I offer. "I am currently offerring x, y, and z. Which of those sounds good to you?" :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
chelynn said:
What did you offer for recipe choices--or did you give her free reign? I am new and have only practiced a few, so those are the ones I offer. "I am currently offerring x, y, and z. Which of those sounds good to you?" :)
Click to expand...

I didn't really offer anything. I told her that once we had a headcount we'd talk menu. She keeps harping on how her friends MUST have healthy recipes.
Oh and in her email she also mentioned that her cat is "deathly ill right now" so I can't even comfortably call her and coach (read: nag) her to come up with a suitable guest list.
Her show is a Friday night in November - that's a HOT commodity and I hate to waste it on a 2-person show, kwim?
 
Make sure to host coach her for outside orders! I had a show once where there were two guests in attendance and with outside orders it was over $1,000!

--Jenny L
 
Definitely give her the choices you are doing. One menu item, two if she has a secured guests number coming.
 
Coach on the outside orders...and remind her to mention the party to the Vet's staff.>^..^<
 
I've had two shows with only two guests: one led to a $1000 show and the other led to a string of 7 $1000 shows (so far). And a team member came out each chain as well.

okay...truth in posting....i also had one other show with two guests and $14 in sales...that one died on the vine.

...you just never know!
 
I think the chicken is a good idea, Carolyn. If she has diabetic friends the chicken is probably one of the better recipes since there are no carbs in it.
 
I would agree with everyone else, Carolyn I think the chicken would be the easiest since she is claiming that she has diabetic friends....
 
Last edited:
And if she has 10 or more confirmed, make lemonade in the QSP using Splenda. :)
 
I have a demanding type of host also. She was wanting several ( 3 or 4) recipes. I felt pressured. What I ended up telling her that seems to be working is "You have to have at least 12 definite yes's for me to make a 3rd recipe. Adding a third recipe will make the food reimbursement more than $15." Now she is making the "3rd" recipe herself.

When I offered to make a 3rd (12 guests). She said "Oh no, you have enough to do with two recipes. I can get the ingredients cheaper since I buy in bulk."

So I am getting my way. You have to take a polite stand -- trying hard to be professional and unoffensive. Keep a smile in your voice and it comes across better.

It was uncomfortable for me -- I feel desparate for shows and that makes my first instinct to "give in". But I also want this to be my business and I need to be able to make it work for me both in terms of finances and time.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
chefann said:
And if she has 10 or more confirmed, make lemonade in the QSP using Splenda. :)
Click to expand...

Great idea!
Recipe?
 
QSP Lemonade

Use Family-size QSP. :)
Slice 5 lemons using v-shaped blade of Ultimate Mandoline. Put slices in bottom of QSP. Add 1 1/2 cups Splenda. Let sit 10 minutes for slices to give up their juice. Fill pitcher with water and plunge to combine.
If there is leftover lemonade, remove lemon slices before storing - the oils from the peel will make it bitter if they're stored in the beverage.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key tips for hosting a successful Pampered Chef party?

To host a successful Pampered Chef party, focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, selecting a theme that resonates with your guests, and preparing a delicious menu using Pampered Chef products. Additionally, engage your guests with interactive cooking demonstrations and encourage them to participate in the cooking process.

How can I make my Pampered Chef party feel more exclusive?

To create an exclusive feel, consider sending personalized invitations, offering limited-time promotions, or providing special gifts for attendees. You can also create a VIP experience by offering a sneak peek of new products or hosting a private cooking class for a smaller group.

What are some easy recipes to impress guests during a Pampered Chef party?

Some easy yet impressive recipes include a gourmet charcuterie board, stuffed mini peppers, or a decadent dessert like a chocolate lava cake. These recipes can be prepared using Pampered Chef tools, showcasing their effectiveness while delighting your guests.

How can I encourage my guests to book their own Pampered Chef parties?

Encourage guests to book their own parties by highlighting the benefits they can receive, such as free products, discounts, and the opportunity to have fun with friends. Share your own positive experiences and offer incentives, like a special gift or bonus for those who book a party during your event.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed while hosting a Pampered Chef party?

If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember that preparation is key. Create a checklist of tasks leading up to the party, and delegate responsibilities to trusted friends or family members. Focus on enjoying the moment and connecting with your guests rather than striving for perfection.

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