adminmessiahFor more than 50 years, Marcia Wharton has helped make the art of entertaining feel approachable, joyful, and unforgettable. As the founder of Marcia Wharton Associates, she’s guided thousands—from executives to everyday hosts—toward gatherings filled with confidence, presence, and polish. Through lively seminars, etiquette coaching, keynote talks, and even a televised holiday entertaining series with WITF, Marcia has turned her passion for hospitality into a lifelong calling. For Marcia, entertaining family and friends is about nurturing the soul and building genuine connections.
She champions the power of one-on-one relationships and the beauty of enriching friendships at every age. During a recent Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning® course, “Creative and Easy Entertaining for the Rest of your Life,” Marcia shared practical tips to
keep entertaining joyful and effortless, no matter the stage of life:
Keep it Easy: Use what you already have and choose recipes that bring you joy and confidence. Remember, some of the deepest connections happen simply over a cup of coffee—entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Stay Distinctively You: Your authentic style, background, and traditions are the heart of your hospitality and what makes your gatherings truly memorable. Hosting is an extension of who you are—so honor your roots and personal flair, and don’t be afraid to break away from convention. These unique touches are what leave a lasting impression.
Be Creative: Think beyond your own space—hosting in community venues or restaurants can make setup and cleanup easier while giving your guests a new, inviting environment to enjoy. For those who may not see themselves as natural hosts, Marcia offers encouragement to look inward. You’re already equipped with your own talents and style; there’s no single “right” way to welcome others.
When teaching the art of hospitality, Marcia often shares this timeless wisdom from philosopher Epictetus to inspire a deeper understanding of what it means to host: “At feasts, remember that you are entertaining two guests, body and soul. What you give to the body, you presently lose; what you give to the soul, you keep forever.”
True hospitality nourishes more than the appetite—it feeds the spirit and fosters lasting connections.
