After the isolation of pandemic lockdowns, many of us developed a newfound appreciation for simple social gatherings like dinner parties, housewarmings, movie nights and even casual afternoons watching sports on the couch. But now that such get-togethers have become more common again, its clear some people have become a little rusty in the manners department including the hosts.

We often hear about etiquette crimes committed by guests , but certainly hosts arent off the hook when it comes to being polite, said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the Were You Raised by Wolves? podcast . When it comes to manners and etiquette, we all have our part to play. A good host is gracious, welcoming, and makes their guests feel comfortable.

Hosting a gathering is a generous enterprise that requires work, but dont go overboard pressuring yourself to make everything perfect and accommodate every possible need. Still, there are some broader etiquette points to keep in mind.

Below, Leighton and other experts share some common rude behaviors when hosting guests and advice for avoiding these mistakes.

Not Introducing Guests To Each Other

Once your guests arrive, it is the hosts responsibility to take the initiative to introduce everyone, said Jackie Vernon-Thompson, founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette . Encouraging the guests to interact and establish some sort of relationship is important for everyone to enjoy themselves.

Try to bring up common points of interest or other conversation topics that may allow your guests to connect with one another.

The most obvious is how each person is connected to the host, said Tami Claytor, the etiquette coach behind Always Appropriate Image & Etiquette Consulting . Other topics include hobbies, recent travels or occupations. This action is proper party etiquette because it alleviates the awkwardness that occurs when people are in a room with strangers.

Inviting People Who Will Make Others Uncomfortable

On the topic of making your guests feel comfortable and encouraging them to interact with each other, be mindful of the people you invite and whether its a good idea for them to be in a room together.

Curate your guest list carefully, said Diane Gottsman , the author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. No archenemies, contentious exes or competitive business owners should be at a fun and relaxing gathering.

Being Unprepared When Guests Arrive

While guests should know better than to show up early, a good host should be ready to receive guests at the advertised event start time, Leighton said.

Dont tell people to arrive at a certain time and then be totally MIA when that time comes.

Sometimes the hosts become so comfortable with the fact that the event is hosted in their home that they think it is OK to be in their bedroom or bathroom grooming themselves to make that grand entrance one hour after the guests arrive, Vernon-Thompson said. Essentially, the host has taken the guests for granted and felt it was quite fine to show up late. Thats a huge no-no.

The fact that the gathering is in your home is all the more reason to make yourself available to direct guests and set the tone for the event. Make an effort to greet people at the door and make them feel welcome. Invite them to sit, offer them a drink and take their coat.

Cooking and setting up as people arrive prevents the host from properly greeting his or her visitors, Claytor said. Ive arrived to peoples homes at the designated start time and the host was still cleaning the bathroom or getting out of the shower, which was really uncomfortable.