What is the most important part of being a good host/ess or guest?

As a host or hostess, what do you wish your guests would do, and as a guest, what do you wish your hosts would do?

It's important in the planning stage to invite a wide variety of people. You don't want too many introverts, or the whole mood will be too mellow. On the other hand you don't want too many uber-extroverts as they will all be competing for center ring billing.

A good host will also never stay too long with one group. You want to move about the space, interacting with everyone and monitoring them to ensure everyone is having a good time. Make sure the wallflowers feel included. If nothing else works try giving them a task.

Example:

"Hey Judy, could you do me a favor and collect everyone's keys? Thanks, you're awesome. Love the shoes!"

Then there are the more mundane hosting tasks; keep drinks rotating through the coolers, make sure the hors d'oeuvres tray remains stocked. Keep your liberal friends from engaging your conservative friends in fisticuffs.

Basically a good host is everywhere at once, and keeps the party rolling. Do what you have to to get those people dancing!

Being a good guest is easy. Be sure to bring something for the host[ess]--a bottle of wine is the safest bet but a covered dish or relish tray is never unwelcome.

Then you're only responsibility is to participate. That can be anything. You don't necessarily have to deliver stirring oration, but at the very least try to respond with more than a few syllables when someone else engages you in conversation. Or play the guitar, or sing, or dance. Just participate.

Oh, and the most important responsibility for a guest is this: don't cause the toilet to overflow. Particularly the toilet in the master bedroom.

Being real thougtful and generous and and giving and just all around fun people

making sure everyone is pleased and if you cant please everyone the overall group asa whole

The guest should appreciate everything you have and what you have put together, You just do your best at entertaining them. It's not your fault if they don't like or appreciate it.

Make sure all guests are properly introduced to eachother...And lots of booze.

The most important part of being a good host is to make your guests feel comfortable....in every way you can.

Staying polite and friendly, even when it is hard because of different customs in different countries or families.

Hi Jacida...

What a wonderfully intelligent question!

Of course someone as bright as you already knows what's important. Be there for your guests and make them feel at ease and welcomed.

Sometimes it can be a real challenge to be a good hostess when people start forgetting themselves and start talking about religion or politics and begin arguing. (Especially those dim-witted Republicans. They're always out to spoil things with their stupid comments. Try to keep them and their foul propaganda out if at all possible so that they don't get started in the first place)

hosts should provide wall to wall mattresses, guests should bring condoms

As a host, I think it's important that you make sure you don't run out of food and drink. Play good music because it sets the mood. Keep your guests entertained.