About Formal Dinner Parties

Unlike celebrations of the past in which formal dining demanded fine china and food served by crisply uniformed butlers and maids, 21st century formal dinner parties require only a perfectly cooked meal and a flawlessly set table. Whether you serve your guests fine fare served on bone china and white tablecloths, or prefer an intimate dinner for two by candlelight at home, formal dinner parties are the perfect occasion to dine with elegance and style.

Significance

According to "Emily Post's Etiquette," Post said in 1922 that "it is not possible to give a formal dinner without servants." In more modern times, formal dinner parties are considered any celebration where food is served elegantly, but adherence to formal protocol---proper dress, seating and old standards of dining decorum--is not followed.

Function

Weddings, debutante balls and award recognitions are a few special occasions where formal dinner dining is expected. Now formal dinner parties held at home celebrate a promotion at work or include an informal gathering of friends for an intimate dinner. However, professional party planners and etiquette purists consider a formal dinner party any occasion where dinner is served with silverware and on fine china, with guests being served.

Types

There are two types of formal dinner parties: official and semiformal. Dining at the White House or attending the famous Crillon ball in Paris are considered official formal dinner parties with firm rules of etiquette for dress and behavior. Semiformal dinner parties require a dress code for party guests but often is more flexible with the number of courses served, décor and table settings. Examples of semiformal dinner parties are: dinner at the home of a business associate or client or dressy holiday celebrations for Christmas or New Year's Eve.

Considerations

Plan to serve three to six courses during the dinner party. Popular courses include: an entrée, soup or salad, dessert, fruit and cheese, coffee and after-dinner cocktails or cordials. Create the perfect atmosphere for your formal dinner party with soft music, elegant table décor and sophisticated table settings. Include small candles and hand-written place cards for guests. When developing the guest list think about the best mix of people for the party. Party guests should arrive on time, be gracious and review dinner party etiquette to prevent embarrassment or offending the host.

Expert Insight

Three essential elements can create the best atmosphere for a formal dinner party: the food, the décor and the guest list. Consider using printed or hand-written invitations over emails and personal phone calls for your formal dinner party. Party guests should bring a suitable host or hostess gift along as proper appreciation for the dinner invitation. Wine, an interesting coffee table book or a box of chocolates wrapped in festive paper are suitable dinner party thank-you gifts.

Resources

• How to Plan a Formal Dinner Party
• How to Dress for a Formal Dinner Party