Seven Blunders to Evade While Organizing a Gala Dinner Event
Throwing a dinner party is similar to maintaining a circus act. Besides engaging with and entertaining your guests, you must ensure that the food is served hot and prepared, the beverages are abundant, the dialogue is lively, and the mess is kept minimal. This is no easy task, and it's effortless to overlook minor details while attempting to juggle everything. However, the purpose of hosting a dinner party should not be about achieving perfection but creating an environment where your guests feel comfortable and valued, as stated by celebrated event designer Edward Perotti.
Perotti was influenced by his grandmother and great aunt, who were excellent hosts, who taught him the value of focusing on the guest experience rather than adhering to etiquette rules. If you wish to make your guests and yourself enjoy your upcoming dinner party, avoid the following mistakes.
- Edward Perotti, celebrity event designer
Neglecting guests' dietary restrictions
A simple yet effective way to make everyone feel included during the dinner party is by considering everyone's dietary requirements. Perotti advises seeking information about each guest's allergen and nutritional needs to prepare a menu that accommodates everyone, using alternative options.
Overemphasizing food presentation
It's essential to recognize that presentation plays a critical role in appetizing food. Nonetheless, Perotti warns against going overboard with food presentation as it may make the event seem too formal and distract from the actual purpose of food - eating and enjoying. "Though beautiful plating is appreciated, don’t let perfection overshadow the joy of sharing a meal," Perotti says.
Serving too extravagant food items
Selecting overly opulent food alternatives may appear appealing to impress your guests but may intimidate them and make them feel uneasy. Perotti suggests offering easy-to-fancy appetizers and dishes that guests will appreciate and savor, rather than overwhelming them with a gourmet selection. "Rather than trying to impress your guests with high-end food items, just be mindful and select appetizers and dishes that will appeal to their tastes," Perotti advises.
Solely offering alcoholic beverages
With a growing number of people opting for abstinence or sober living, it's crucial to provide guests with a range of alternatives. Perotti recommends offering a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to everyone's preferences when hosting a gathering. "Serve with thoughtfulness, providing a balanced option of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for everyone's preferences," Perotti suggests.
Assigning seating
Creating seating arrangements for each guest may seem like a caring gesture, but Perotti recommends avoiding this and embracing a more relaxed atmosphere. "Instead of bossing around where everyone sits, allow guests to choose their seats which fosters a friendly and relaxed atmosphere," he says.
Declining assistance
If you aspire to be considered the epitome of hosting, you may be inclined to rely on your own resources and appearances, attempting to prove your capabilities. However, refusing assistance can exacerbate stress and hinder interactions with your guests. "Cooperate with the idea of accepting help as it can make your gathering unforgettable. Some guests may not want to see the behind the scenes, but many people today enjoy participating and turning the event into a shared celebration," Perotti says.
Delaying cleanup until the following day
Cleaning up after a night of hosting is the last thing you'd want to do. Yet, consider your future self. After a long evening, the dirty dishes may seem more daunting in the morning light. Waking up to a clean kitchen can bring a great sense of accomplishment. "Even if you've indulged a bit, embark on the cleanup as the night concludes. It may be uncomfortable, but it will save you a significant amount of trouble in the morning," Perotti advises. "If a guest offers to help you with some cleanup before they head out, don't hesitate to accept their offer. This will provide both of you with more time to connect and another pair of hands to expedite the cleanup process."
During a dinner party, focusing on the guest experience is more important than adhering to etiquette rules, as suggested by Edward Perotti, influenced by his grandmother and great aunt. Following RealSimple's advice, considering dietary restrictions of guests and offering a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can help create an enjoyable Holidays Entertaining experience for everyone.
