A beautiful soap left in the guest bathroom, some fresh flowers by the bed, or a small gift of chocolates in their room will make anyone feel welcome.
If you have rules the guests need to follow concerning your staff or pets in your house, be sure to kindly let them know so that there will be no misunderstandings.
My mother had a beautiful rose garden and would cut roses all summer and place in our house.
Make sure your host knows that you are not high maintenance, and that you'll fit into any schedule that is planned.
Make it clear that though you are happy to do anything the host likes, you are also perfectly fine exploring or relaxing by yourself. Give your host his or her space.
A good host will point out food, snacks, and drinks that you're welcome to help yourself to, but if they don't, do not ask what is available. It sounds greedy.
Warmly thank your host when you leave, citing special things you enjoyed about your stay. As soon as you return home, use your good stationery and write a lovely note thanking your hosts profusely.
Memories of my Southern upbringing in Richmond, Virginia, always include the smell of good southern food: fried chicken, cheese grits, Smithfield ham, and buttermilk biscuits.
Because I am southern, I love serving mint juleps in silver cups with a sprig of mint as guests enter.
I love entertaining old school. It's how I feel the most comfortable, because it's what I experienced growing up.
I've always loved playing dress up, so I wear party dresses for anything I'm hosting. I think you honor your guests by paying attention to every detail, and this includes your own appearance.
Yes, I live in Manhattan - and yes, I'm a cast member on 'The Real Housewives of New York' - but deep down, I'm still a southern gal from Virginia at heart.
Mayonnaise is basically the only condiment there is. Anything tastes better with lots of mayo... even a spoon.
I had never thought about living with a girlfriend as a roommate post-divorce, but when I decided to come back to New York and move in with my friend Sonja Morgan, it ended up being the best decision I ever made.
If you have a girlfriend who is a fellow divorcee, you share a lot of common ground because you've been through the same things.
I learned that if you're going to move in with a friend, it's important to establish ground rules immediately so there aren't any misunderstandings down the line.
We are all human and have our good days, and bad days, so it's important to give one another space when dealing with your own issues.
In 2013, after living in New York for 18 years, I decided to leave Manhattan for a fresh start in Palm Beach.
I consider myself an Upper East Sider, but I may have to reconsider. While I was away, everyone seemed to flee!
