You are in the middle of an important dinner party when the waiter spills hot soup all over the boss’…

The correct choice is: You pour the entire contents of a jug of water over his lap, explaining that your prompt action will prevent burns, and then lay out a change of clothes in the guest bedroom and return to the party while the boss changes

A good host stays calm and acts practically. Cooling the area with water at once prevents a scald, a change of clothes solves the embarrassment, and returning to the guests keeps the party running. Screaming at the waiter or panicking is unprofessional, and rushing the boss to hospital for spilt soup is an overreaction.

Hence the best response is ‘You pour the entire contents of a jug of water over his lap, explaining that your prompt action will prevent burns, and then lay out a change of clothes in the guest bedroom and return to the party while the boss changes’.