10 ways to be a gracious and elegant hostess while actually enjoying your own party 1. Pre batch one signature cocktail or open a bottle of champagne to welcome guests instead of playing bartender. You are not a restaurant and you do not need to try to be one. 2. Make a one pot or one pan meals that can be prepped ahead like coq au vin, pot roast, or a whole side of salmon with fingerling potatoes. 3. Commit to a conversation. Give the person talking your full attention and do not scan the room