Avoid These 16 Hosting Mistakes Unless You Love Awkward Moments
Thinking of inviting a couple of friends and family for dinner? Dinner parties are fun, but they can be pretty stressful for the hosts because they’ve got to nail everything down. If you’re hosting a dinner party, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to make sure your guests have a great time. The last thing you want is for them to leave frustrated and not want to come back. With a little preparation, you can make sure everyone has a memorable evening.
Overcomplicating The Menu
You’ve probably planned a big meal if you’re eager to show off your cooking skills. But trying too many complex dishes can lead to stress—not only for you but also for the guests, who won’t know what to eat. It’s best to keep a simple menu with 2-3 main dishes and 1-2 sides; this way, you’ll be able to impress your guests without being burnt out.
Not Timing the Cooking Properly
Timing is key when it comes to cooking. If the food’s done too early, it might get cold or dry out; too late, and everyone’s waiting around hungry. Plan out when you’re going to start each dish so everything comes together at the right time. It’ll keep things running smoothly and your guests happy and well-fed.
Failing to Test Recipes in Advance
The last thing you want to do when hosting a dinner is try out a brand new recipe on the day of the dinner. It’s a gamble with very high risks. If it turns out to be short of your expectations, you risk serving a bad meal to your guests. While trying out new recipes may broaden your menu options, only experiment a few days prior to the big day so you can test and perfect the recipe before serving it out.
Ignoring Dietary Restrictions
While it may be annoying to alter recipes to accommodate someone’s dietary preferences and restrictions, remember that not considering allergies or preferences can be life-threatening. It’s also a great gesture on the host’s part if you’re willing to accommodate guests’ diet restrictions.
Forgetting About Drinks
Don’t just focus on the food—having the right drinks is just as important. Make sure you’ve got a good mix of options, like water, soft drinks, and some alcohol for those who want it. You don’t want anyone feeling left out or stuck with something they don’t like. Having a little something for everyone makes the evening that much more enjoyable.
Overestimating/Underestimating Guest Count
You might have a fixed guest count in mind, but remember that things don’t always go according to plan. You might be catering to fewer people than planned or more. And while you’d rather not waste food, drink, and seating, having more than less is much better.
Sending Invitations Too Late
Too many people send invitations too late and then complain about having nobody show up. Give your guests at least a week to RSVP and plan so that they can confirm their presence. If you’re throwing an impromptu dinner party, know that not everyone can attend on short notice.
Not Planning A Backup Plan
Be prepared for unexpected guests or last-minute cancellations. You might think you’ve nailed down the party to a T, but things happen, and you want them to turn out in your favor. It’s best to have a backup plan that answers all questions (e.g., what if you need extra seats or extra food, what if a guest gets too drunk, etc.).
Overloading The Table
It’s tempting to decorate the table aesthetically but remember to leave enough space for food. A table loaded with food and decorations gets messy; guests trip things, can’t get the food properly, and, in general, experience a lot of discomfort when eating. It’s best to set aside the decor or only decorate it mildly.
Ignoring Seating Arrangements
If you’re hosting a family or two or more friend groups, you must remember that not everyone gets along. Dinner parties naturally bring out a lot of conversation, so your guests will mingle and interact. It’s best to consider all your guests’ dynamics and devise a foolproof seating plan.
Forgetting About Non-Food Allergies
Catering to guests’ preferences isn’t only about following their dietary restrictions. Many people are sensitive to external things like scents or noise; if you’ve got any guest on the list who gets uncomfortable with such triggers, it’s best to create a comforting seating plan or some sort of barrier (noise-canceling headphones, etc.).
Underestimating Cleanup
We don’t want to be that person, but the longer you put off cleanup, the more you’ll suffer. Dinner parties can get painfully messy, so it’s best to come up with a cleaning system that works. Have enough supplies to use in case you run out, and assign chores to family members so you can tidy up easily.
Overworking Yourself
Too many hosts become engrossed with the idea of hosting the perfect dinner party, so they end up doing a lot and eventually become too tired to function. Not only is this unhealthy, but it also affects their interaction with the guests, which can make them feel guilty or bored. Don’t neglect your own enjoyment as the host.
Not Having A Designated Smoking Area
This might sound a bit unusual, but if you’ve got guests who smoke but don’t personally like the activity, you can set up a corner that serves as a designated smoking area. This not only prevents fights between smokers and non-smokers, but it also ensures smoking guests know when to step out for a smoke.
Forgetting Bathroom Essentials
Not having a properly stocked bathroom can lead to some awkward moments for your guests. Make sure you have plenty of toilet paper, hand soap, and clean towels available for everyone before the party starts. Adding small extras like an air freshener, scented candles, or even a basket with spare toiletries can make guests feel more at ease.
Forgetting About Entertainment
Lastly, remember that a dinner party is mostly about having fun with your guests. You and your guests need to let loose, but that won’t happen if you spend too much energy on perfecting things. Arrange background music, fun activities, and interesting icebreakers in case the conversation lags.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
