Hosting A Dinner Party: Do's and Don'ts

By Lindsay Probasco on May 31, 2014

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Hosting a dinner party anytime soon? First, there are a few things you have to know.

Having a group of friends, family or colleagues over for dinner is not always so easy. There is a bit of hosting etiquette in a general sense and a list of basic guidelines you should follow if you want the gathering to run smoothly.

Let’s take it back to the 1960’s, when having people over for dinner meant something much more. The meal has got to be just right, the dialogue should be free flowing, and the drinks have to be on point. When Betty Draper hosted dinner parties, she would put out a spread that wowed the group and humbly abstained from praise by mentioning that she was just “earning her keep.” Attire was formal, drinks were upscale, and music was just background noise.

image source: http://braxtonandyancey.blogspot.com

Okay, so maybe things are a little different today. But when you really think about it, the core components are not too far off in 2014. Here is a list of dinner party do’s and don’ts for you hosts out there:

DO: Have an agreeable menu.

DON’T: Make/cater something out of the comfort zone of your guests.

While it might be fun to spice things up a bit (literally), a friendly dinner party might not be the best time to try out something crazy. Make sure you know what your guests like and don’t like before getting too crafty with your ingredients. Take vegetarians and vegans into account, as well.

DO: Be sure to have a couple appetizers.

DON’T: Forget dessert!

Give your company something to snack on before you hit them with the big spread. Not only will they enjoy the options, but it will allow for more conversation. Likewise, don’t forget to put the icing on the cake … or the pie if that’s what you’re going with.

DO: Match your food with your beverage.

DON’T: Overdress one or the other.

If you’re serving burgers, you don’t want to be dishing out Champagne. Your drinks should always compliment your meal. If you’re having burgers, a good match would be beer. If you’re having steak, maybe go with a red wine like Merlot.

DO:  Clean up your place and prepare everything beforehand.

DON’T: Shove all of your crap in the closet.

We’ve all seen the movies where putting off the cleaning until the last minute ends in disaster. Give yourself ample time to set up and get everything you need ready which will let you actually enjoy your party.

image source: http://blog.pinnaclepub.com/2014/04/08/top-lists-organization/

DO: Facilitate the conversation.

DON’T: Dominate the whole night.

You know those hosts who just don’t know when to stop being in complete control of everything? Do not be that person. Set the atmosphere from the beginning for a fun evening but know when to give up the reins and let the rest take care of itself.

DO: Invite people you haven’t seen in a while.

DON’T: Invite ex-lovers or that one weird guy.

Now is the perfect time to catch up with old pals, distant relatives and get to know people from the office that you haven’t gotten to know very well. On the contrary, do not (I repeat DO NOT) even think about inviting the people that only bring one thing to the dinner table: DRAMA.

DO: Provide your guests with some form of entertainment.

DON’T: Force people into activity.

Personally, I like any and all group games. However, I understand that not everyone comes to a dinner party looking to turn on their competitive side. Any kind of entertainment that involves little focus, little attention and minimal debate is good. Too much movement and coercing could take a nice party and turn it into something really awkward. Maybe stick to playing background music if you can’t come up with anything.

DO: Have guy time and girl time.

DON’T: Be completely intermingled.

I know it sounds stupid. It sounds like a middle school dance. Though I love the diverse conversations that come about from the mixed group, it is just as important to split off at some point. The ladies need time to catch up on the latest gossip or recent Scandal episode while the guys discuss sports and business ventures. Seriously, everyone will be much happier.

DO: Relax.

DON’T: Get too stressed.

The point is to have some fun! Dinner parties are supposed to bring a group of people together around a hearty meal. If you’re hosting, chances are you need a little de-stressing with some friends. Enjoy the company, food and a successful evening. If you can pull it off, you’re halfway to Betty Draper status.

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