In this article, the authors, two experienced principals from two separate districts and mentors for new principals, explain that being a great principal is much the same as being the host of a great dinner party. The following are a few insights and tips-for new principals that can help any host (or principal) find rewards that go far beyond the home or school: (1) Everyone enjoys a warm welcome. Standing in front of the school each morning welcoming students and parents in very reassuring. (2) Remembering that everyone brings something to the table, it is important to listen and learn from members of the staff. New principals can learn to glean, and use their expertise wisely. (3) Keeping critics close, will reduce the need to guess what is being said about you. (4) Successful new principals find themselves joining professional organizations that promote networking. Joining an organization will provide the information, research, professional advocacy and networking necessary to enhance your ability to be successful. (5) Surfing the internet for resources to help sharpen the tools needed by a new principal is another way to enhance leadership skills. (6) Identifying what ingredients it will take to be successful with staff will help principals go out and use their time wisely to learn the skills needed to positively impact their campus. (7) New principals need to get out of the office and talk with staff. It is important that they get out to the hallways, the workrooms, and lounge areas where relationships can be built. It is important for building staff relationships to be on their "turf" so that they can easily see that principals mean no harm and wish only to enhance their professional lives. (8) Cooking time in the principalship may mean that they will need to move slower now to move faster later. (9) Taking every opportunity to celebrate the smallest event in your school is important. (10) A new principal should not expect staff members to express gratitude. Sometimes their silence is their sign of appreciation. The article concludes with this final bit of wisdom for new principals: "Nothing is ever as good or bad as it seems.