Throwing a dinner party is no easy pickle, going to one on the other hand, can be easier. When someone invites you to go over, there’s a certain etiquette we should all follow. Not only because it makes us feel good but makes the host(ess) feel appreciated and the party going. Ever since we are considered young-adults, there are things we can do to socially acknowledge one’s effort
to throw a dinner-party for friends or acquaintances:
Whether a bottle of wine, a dessert, an appetizer or even flowers, it always looks nice and thoughtful. It makes the host(ess) feel appreciated and it gives you an opportunity to be creative. I’m normally not that creative but back in Portugal you normally bring a bottle or two of wine. Don’t know what to get? Browse here, here and here for out of the box ideas.
To help bring food to the table, organize the plates, finish the salad or wash the dishes. Even if the host(ess) is going to say no, it’s polite to ask and you’re making yourself useful. Especially if the person looks cluttered. One of my best friends back home goes beyond her way to help at dinner parties. We always make a joke that she starts panicking when I give her nothing to do.
If you get invited to a dinner party where your don’t know everyone, my trick and is to mingle. Grab yourself a glass of wine, ask if anyone wants one, walk towards someone and ask them questions. What do you do for a living? Where do you live? How long have you known the host(ess)? I easily start to ramble but I feel like I’m always really interested in knowing other people.
My mother used to throw these huge dinner parties at our house. Sometimes we would have up to 40 guests. She would spend the afternoon cooking and arranging everything – I would normally set the table. I remember filling my plate and eating like a savage, without actually savoring her delicious food. I’ve learned to tone it down, not fill my plate and really enjoy the food.