Navigating the Holiday Rush: Tips for Young Hosts

I’m stressed for the holiday rush as a Head host, also the youngest 18-y-old male. I’m worried that I can’t handle this and my coworkers will think I’m weak. Managers aren’t of much help. Any tips to put my mind at ease or helpful strategies?

Belief in Yourself

I’ll bet you did not get to where you are without earning it. Believe in yourself, challenge that voice in your head that is undermining you. You are the head host because others believe in you, and you can do this. Managers chose you for this role, assuming you have the capabilities to handle various situations. If you need help, let’s look at the strategies that can help you manage the holiday rush more effectively.

Be Charming and Helpful

People who are by nature mean spirited are NOT assigned duties like this - only the naturally friendly and helpful ones get to do this. So, assuming I’m right, this is your chance to be the most charming and helpful and welcoming you have ever been. Help people with questions, show them to their seats, and help them anticipate an excellent meal, drinks, and a great time. While you’re doing all that, do not forget to enjoy yourself - it will make everything easier for both you and your guests. I’ve done this before, not in a major way, but I LOVED it! You are their first clue about the good time they are about to have!

Prepare for Every Eventuality

Go back over the experiences of previous head hosts and talk with the old-timers in your staff. See what problems and opportunities came up and how they successfully handled them. Review the waitstaff who are the most experienced and level-headed, and whom you can ask to handle problems that arise. Study your menu and wine list, reviewing them with your staff so that you have recommendations ready for your customers. Who are your VIP customers? What do they usually order, and who do they prefer to have wait on them?

Create a To-Do List

Make a to-do list and stick to it. If something is unobtainable, find an alternative. Try to determine what most of your party-goers are interested in – food, beverage, snack, and try to accommodate them. Good food always makes a party more successful. Limit the alcohol to less hard stuff as you don’t want fall-down drunkenness; only mellow tipsiness is appropriate for a business event. Hire a good party consultant for some excellent entertainment ideas, or stick to a live performance by a neighborhood choir or band. Check your local community centers for performers and offer them compensation for their time.

Enjoy Your Day

Have fun and do not stress out, you got this!!! Wish you the best of luck and enjoy your day!!! You are capable, and with these strategies, you’ll handle the holiday rush like a pro.