Do's and Dont's of Dinner Partying

With many people not venturing out to restaurants, clubs and theatres nowadays it seems like the perfect time to throw a dinner party. You know most of the potential attendees will be at home so why not have a small fete for friends? When you are planning on hosting a dinner party there are many aspects the need to be taken care of such as your house, the menu, guest list and your manners. People forget that the most important part of hosting a dinner party is to be a good host. There is nothing worse than attending an affair at someones home only for them to not be a hospitable as you would like them to be. On the other hand it is the top priority of the invited to be as gracious guest and not to do anything that will not get you invited back in the future. Here are some things for hosts and invited guests to keep in mind when considering dinner partying.....

Mind Your Manners

For the Host/Hostess: It is always necessary to invite your potential guests to your home at least two weeks in advance. This gives them enough time to respond and time enough for you to get an accurate headcount. If you know that the person you are inviting has a significant other or partner be sure to include them on the invite....its never appropriate to invite your close friend and not her husband because you don't care for him; if that's the case then neither should be invited.

The Invited Guests: Make it a point to respond to your host invitation as promptly as possible. Nobody likes to be last minute and late with their responses and also it is inconsiderate to not respond at all whether you are going to attend or not. If you plan on bringing a guests that the host does not know about, ask them first before you have and extra person tag long. This will alleviate the tight squeezed table setting at the table. Usually dinner parties are based on a set number of people and it would not be considerate for you to put your host in this position.

The Same Rules Apply

For the Host/Hostess: Remember that when you open your home to friends for a dinner party it is almost like inviting them to a very private restaurant. No you are not a waiter but you do take on the role as server and making sure that everyone is taken care of and comfortable while in your home. You will,of course, have to do most of the dirty work and should not expect your guests to help you with serving or clean up. It is better to enlist a close friend, who will also be attending the party, to help with preparation before hand and possibly for clean up help but only after your guests have left.

The Invited Guests: Just as you would make dinner reservations at a restaurant for a specific time you also need to arrive to the host's house in a timely manner or the evening will begin without you. If at all possible do not arrive more than 10 minutes late to the party. This is not a forum to arrive "fashionably late" due to the small number and location and it is very rude to the hosts as well as the other attendees. Try not to make incessant requests to your host throughout the night. It is your right to make requests but not every time the hosts takes a seat and you realize that you have no salt, or need extra butter. This type of behavior not only disrupts the hosts form interacting with their guests but it can make other attendees uncomfortable is they see you are nitpicking or doing it on purpose.

Dress Appropriately

For the Host/Hostess: Let your attire compliment the theme and feel of your dinner party. There is nothing worse than a host that is overdressed for hot dog night or under dressed for authentic Thai cuisine. You are setting the tone at your place for what you expect for the evening so your attire should reflect the mood and feel that you are going for. It is an added bonus if you want to go the extra step and add a little flair....where appropriate of course. For example, if traditional Moroccan fare is going to be served then there is nothing wrong with wanting to don a brightly colored djellaba.

The Invited Guests: No matter how many times you have been to the hosts home in the past this night is a little bit different and should be shown as such in your choice of attire. Being a guests has more than the requirement of showing up you need to come respectfully as the hosts has asked you too. It is never ok to attend a dinner party in jeans or informal attire. This is unacceptable because the hosts has taken the time and energy to put together the party you should be curtious enough to come well dressed. You don't need to go over board with a formal gown and tux but flip flops in this instance are not going to be all the rage.

Throwing and attending a dinner party takes a little more effort than throwing rice in the pot and just dropping by for dinner. It requires effort from both the guests and the host to make the evening a successful one. There are several things you need to keep in mind such as a dish that is going to go over well with all of the attendees while keeping in mind any dietary restrictions that may be in play. The hosts should always do their bests to have a clean and maintained apartment or home so their guests feel comfortable and relaxed in an warm and inviting environment. Remember as far as niceties go out can extend the olive branch to those you have lost touch with or had a falling out with as well as reaffirming the bond you have with close pals and family. Don't let you kindness be taken for weakness though if someone begins to be rude or disrespectful, remember you have invited them into a very personal and private space and should you,as the host, no longer feel comfortable then you have every right to ask them to leave. For more tips and ideas email me at briedesigns@gmail.com

Happy Hosting!