Tis the season to party now that Christmas is well and truly on our door step. Get togethers and catch ups are happening all round leading up to Christmas. A popular way to entertain friends before Christmas is organizing a dinner party. Dinner parties can be fun, but there are some dos and don’ts to ensure the night is a positive one. Here are 12 dinner party dos and don’ts to ensure everyone has a good time.

1.Invitations are important. Guests like to know details so it’s important to send the invitation two weeks prior to the event. These days, invitations are sent via social media, phone call/sms or in person. If the party is going to be an upmarket affair, it’s important to add an rsvp date. If you’re a guest, please rsvp as soon as you know if you can or can’t attend. It’s also rude to rsvp to a party and not show up. Or worse, wait for a better party offer and change your rsvp at the last minute

2. There is nothing worse the stressing out the host by arriving earlier than expected. Arrive at the time requested, or you may be put to use in the kitchen. If you are going to be late, it’s courteous to let the host know of your delay.

3. It’s always nice to bring something for the host. It could be a box of chocolates, a drink or some flowers that already arranged in a box and don’t require the host to find a vase. A gift is always a nice gesture when visiting one’s home for a dinner party. If the dinner party is celebrating a Birthday, a gift is to be expected.

4. Offer the host your services in helping or be proactive and share around the appetizers to help the host.

5. Offer non-alcoholic drinks. Not everyone will want to drink at the dinner party. Ensure there are enough non-alcoholic choices for guests.

 

6. Provide napkins at each seating to ensure everyone has what they need at their fingertips.

7. Use name tags so guests know where they are to sit.

8. Provide bowls for pips or prawn shells if offering foods that require a bin

9. Clean the bathroom and ensure it is stocked with toilet paper. Also check there is soap in the dispenser and a towel for guests to dry their hands on.

10. Ask guests to put their phones away or on silent so you can enjoy each other’s company.

11. Hosts don’t stress on the day. It can remove the relaxing atmosphere you want your guests to encounter when they walk through your door.

12. Don’t stay too late. Read your guests body language on when to decide it’s time to leave.

Do you organise dinner parties with friends and family? Have any tips to share with others on how to pull off a successful dinner party?