How to Practice Dinner Party Etiquette

If you are holding a dinner party, you should brush up on your dinner party etiquette beforehand. Although a dinner party is a chance to get together with friends and family to have a good time, practicing good etiquette will have your guests talking about your elegant event. Read on to learn how to practice dinner party etiquette.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Send out hand written invitations. Although email invitations are fine for casual get-togethers like barbecues, a dinner party is more formal and should have invitations mailed out to guests.

2. Answer the door and greet your guests. A personal greeting makes people more at ease. Before you return to your other duties, introduce new arrivals to guests that they have never met.

3. Keep track of everyone's drink. You should make sure that your guests are served drinks and that they are replenished as needed. Leave out trays of hors d'oeuvres for guests to snack on before dinner.

4. Direct your guests to their seats at the table. To keep things interesting, many hosts separate couples. Another option is to print up place cards and set them on the table beforehand.

5. Remove all dishes and condiments from the table after the main course is served. Follow by serving dessert with coffee and tea service.

6. Fetch the guests' coats and walk them personally to the door. Keep goodbyes short so that you don't neglect your other guests.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember to practice good table manners during your dinner party.Do not eat before everyone is served, avoid reaching across the table and keep your mouth closed during chewing.
• You should not hold dinner for much more than 15 minutes for late guests. You don't want the food spoiled for everyone else.