Great Tips for Inviting Clients to Your Home for Dinner from my colleague and Etiquette Expert, Lydia Ramsey, author of Manners that Sell.

Kraft Foods has just released a new series of ads that will be aired on television over the coming year. The first one aired Sunday night, January 16th, during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on ESPN. The ads promote the all-American favorite, Mac & Cheese, and star the homeless man from Ohio with the "Golden Voice".

The scene is set in the home of the typical business man who has arrived for dinner with his business client in tow. You get the feeling that the guest's arrival was unannounced and unexpected by the wife who is clearly upset. The son is sitting in the background offering his view on what is taking place. The client/guest is obviously uncomfortable as he realizes that this was not a preplanned event with all parties in agreement.

So what should you do if you want to invite your client to your home for dinner? Is it even necessary? Under what circumstances should it be done?

Inviting a client to your home for a meal is less common today than in the past. Business people typically entertain clients and associates at restaurants. However, when there is a client who travels frequently, rarely has a home-cooked meal or has traveled from a foreign country, an invitation to a private home can be an unexpected treat. It is also a good way to build that important business/friendship relationship.

It should always be done under the right circumstances. Keep in mind these few points:

1. Check with your spouse first. That means asking permission.
2. Be sure that your home environment is welcoming. That means no sick and crying babies, no out-of-control teenagers or unruly pets.
3. If you have pets, make sure your guest has no pet allergies or phobias.
4. Your home needs to be clean, comfortable and ready for guests.
5. Be aware of your guest's dietary preferences. Inquire about allergies or restrictions. Your client may be avegetarian so ask first.
6. Keep an eye on the time for the sake of your business guest and your family.

Being invited to someone's home is an honor. It is important that everyone involved sees it that way and finds it to be a memorable event for all the right reasons.

If you want to learn more about what I have to say regarding inviting business clients to your home for dinner, read where I am quoted in the Dallas Observer in an article titled “Just What Year Does Kraft Foods Think ThisIs?”.

Happy Home Entertaining,