Entertainment in the Home – JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note (Third Term)

Entertainment in the home is receiving people into the home and giving them food, drinks and other things that make them feel happy.

• Host: a man who entertains guests.
• Hostess: a woman who entertains guests.
• Guest: the person who is entertained.
• Parties: entertainment can take the form of formal or informal parties.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of entertainment, host, hostess and guest;
2. state the importance of entertainment;
3. list the steps in preparing for entertainment;
4. describe the common styles of serving food;
5. state the responsibilities of a host, a hostess and a guest;
6. explain table laying and set a table for an informal meal.

Why is entertainment important?

Entertainment is important because it builds relationships, teaches social skills and gives rest and enjoyment.

• Relationships: it builds good relationships among people.
• Practice: it gives you practice in being a host or hostess.
• Love: it is a way of showing and sharing love.
• Happiness: it makes the hostess, host and guests happy.
• Good manners: it teaches people how to treat others, for instance, to respect people’s feelings.
• Career skills: it helps people develop interests and skills needed in the hospitality industry, such as hotels and restaurants.
• Cooking: it lets the host or hostess prepare different dishes (meals) and snacks.
• Service: it teaches people how to serve others.
• Relaxation: it provides rest, which is necessary for good health.

What are the steps in preparing for entertainment?

The host or hostess prepares for entertainment in four steps.

1. Prepare and send out invitation letters or cards.
2. Prepare the house, hall or venue.
3. Collect and arrange equipment and materials.
4. Prepare refreshments or food.

• Note: the amount of preparation depends on the type of party and the number of people invited.

How do you prepare and send invitations?

An invitation is a message, spoken or written, asking a person to attend a party.

• Why it matters: without guests, there will be no entertainment.
• Timing: letters, cards or telephone calls must be sent early enough.

What must a complete invitation include?

1. the name of the host or hostess;
2. the type of event;
3. the date;
4. the time and place of the party;
5. the name of the guest.

How do you prepare the house, hall or venue?

The venue can be the family house or a hall outside the home, and it must be clean, comfortable and well arranged.

1. Space: make sure the space is enough for the number of guests.
2. Seats and tables: provide enough for all the guests.
3. Cleaning the room: remove cobwebs, dust and dirt from walls, windows, doors, floors and other surfaces.
4. Cleaning the chairs: no guest likes to have clothes soiled by dirty chairs.
5. Arrangement: arrange chairs and tables with enough space for guests to walk and for serving. Leave spaces between tables.
6. Tablecloths: decorate the tables with good tablecloths.
7. Wall decorations: hang decorative pieces properly on the walls.
8. Colour: use colours that are in harmony.
9. Flowers: arrange flowers properly. Use large flower arrangements in small rooms.
10. Ventilation: make sure the room or hall is airy.
11. Lighting: make sure there is good light.

How do you collect and arrange equipment and materials?

Equipment and materials must be carefully collected and arranged before the party.

• Music: stereos and accessories.
• Tableware: plates, cutlery, cups, serviettes and straws for drinks.
• Gifts: gifts or souvenirs for guests.
• Refreshments: drinks and food items.

What are the guidelines?

1. Find out the number of guests expected.
2. Decide on the types of food and drinks to serve.
3. Draw up a shopping list for food, drinks, gifts or souvenirs and decoration materials. Budget within the money at hand.
4. Plan for plates, cutlery, cups and so on. Where possible, use disposables.
5. Plan for careful serving of drinks, food and take-away gifts.
6. Plan for music equipment and other things.
7. Plan for clearing up and washing plates and cutlery.
8. Share responsibilities among those who will help with the party.
9. Decide the positions for equipment, food and other items in the room or hall.
10. Start all preparations, cooking and arrangement of the hall well ahead of time.
11. Be ready to receive the guests before they arrive.

What affects the refreshment and food served at a party?

The type of food and the method of serving depend on six factors.

• Type of party: for instance, tea party, cocktail, formal, informal or buffet party.
• Type of food: the food being served.
• Duration: the length of time of the party.
• Space: the room or hall available.
• Number of people eating: the size of the crowd.
• Number of helpers: the people available for serving and clearing up.

What are the common styles of serving food?

There are four common styles of serving food: tray service, family-style service, plate service and buffet service.

• Tray service: food and drinks are served on individual trays.
• Family-style service: dinner plates are set at each place, and food is passed around the table for each person to help himself or herself.
• Plate service: food is placed on each plate in the kitchen or from one corner of the hall, and the filled plates are brought to the table or handed to guests.
• Buffet service: plates, napkins, serviettes, food and drinks are arranged on a buffet table, and guests help themselves.

What are the responsibilities of a host or hostess?

A good host or hostess plans well, welcomes guests warmly and sees that every guest is comfortable.

• Note: some of these duties are also part of the preparations above.

What does a host or hostess do before the party?

1. Decide on the type of party and discuss it with the family.
2. Plan the party thoughtfully and prepare in advance.
3. Decide on the date, the number of people to invite, the kinds of food to serve and the activities.
4. Send invitations well in advance, so that guests can make plans to attend.
5. Plan the menu and activities.
6. Make a detailed shopping list and shop wisely.
7. Clean and decorate the home.
8. Get everything ready before time.
9. Get dressed and ready to receive the guests before they arrive.

What does a host or hostess do during the party?

1. Welcome guests as they arrive and take them to their seats.
2. Introduce guests to each other and to your parents. This helps strangers feel at ease.
3. Involve all guests in activities such as dancing and games. Help shy guests to join in without embarrassing them.
4. Serve food neatly and make sure each guest has enough.
5. Be friendly, warm and enthusiastic.
6. Lead and encourage conversation but do not monopolise it. Communicate easily with people.

What does a host or hostess do after the party?

1. See guests off at the door.
2. Thank guests for attending.

What are the responsibilities of a guest?

A good guest is as necessary to the success of a party as a skilful host or hostess.

What should a guest do before the party?

1. Reply: accept as soon as possible, or tell the host at once if you cannot attend.
2. Dress: dress properly for the party.
3. Time: do not be late.

What should a guest do during the party?

1. Cooperate: work with the host or hostess.
2. Be friendly: treat other guests in a friendly way.
3. Take part: join in all the activities planned.
4. Behave well: do not misbehave.
5. Show respect: respect the host or hostess and other guests.
6. Share attention: do not hold long private conversations and ignore other guests.

What should a guest do after the party?

1. Thank the host or hostess when the party is over.
2. Go home.

What is table laying?

Table laying is the process of setting a table with the tableware (plates, glasses and cutlery) for each person who will eat a meal.

Why is table laying important?

• Appearance: it makes the dining table more attractive.
• Convenience: it makes the meal easier to eat.
• Enjoyment: it makes the meal more enjoyable.
• Training: it helps teach younger children table manners.

What are the guidelines for table laying?

A table can be laid for both formal and informal meals.

1. Cover: find the number of persons and the menu first. Each person must have a cover.
2. Simple design: keep the table design simple and natural.
3. Colour and materials: use them to make an attractive table.
4. Suit the meal: materials should suit the type of meal and the method of serving it.
5. Comfort: think of the comfort of the people eating. For instance, avoid a high flower arrangement, which makes conversation across the table awkward.
6. Placing covers: consider the size and shape of the table and the convenience of serving.
7. Cleanliness: clean the dining room, table linen and all materials properly.
8. Cutlery: place pieces of cutlery fairly close together.

What is a cover?

A cover is the place set on the table for one person.

• Parts: table mat, plate, cutlery, glass or cup and table napkin.
• Width: a cover is normally about 60 cm wide.

What materials are used for table setting?

The materials for table setting are items of linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware.

• Linen: tablecloth, place mats and table napkin or serviette.
• Plates: side plate.
• Cutlery: meat fork, meat knife, bread knife, soup spoon, and dessert spoon and fork.
• Glassware: tumbler or glass cup, and wine glass.

How do you set the table for an informal meal?

An informal meal is a family meal, often made up of two or three courses.

What is an example of a three-course meal?

1. Soup as the first course.
2. Jollof rice with beef as the second course.
3. Dessert, for example fruit salad, as the third course.

What are the steps for setting the table?

1. Collect every item you need on a tray or trolley where available.
2. Lay the tablecloth. Place the centre fold on the centre of the table. Draw down each side so it hangs evenly.
3. Add a good flower arrangement at the centre of the table to give it colour.
4. Place the placemats for each cover. Allow enough space for each person and for serving.
5. Place the cutlery from the outside working in. Cutlery for the first course is on the outside, and so on.

Evaluation

1. Explain the meaning of entertainment, host or hostess, and guest.
2. State five reasons why entertainment is important.
3. List the steps in preparing for entertainment.
4. List and explain the common styles of serving food.
5. Define a cover and list four materials used for table setting.

Assignment

Write an invitation letter inviting a friend to your 10th birthday party. Include all the important information that an invitation must contain.