Dinner parties should be fun, not a crash course in outdated etiquette—but a little courtesy goes a long way. As a host, your job is to make guests feel welcome, not like they’ve entered a five-star restaurant with a dress code they didn’t get the memo for. Greet guests with a drink (even if it’s just sparkling water), don’t over-apologize if the soufflé deflates and don’t disappear into the kitchen for an hour while everyone awkwardly waits.
Guests, your job is simple: show up on time, bring a small gift (a bottle of wine, flowers, or even fancy salt), and don’t be that person who picks apart the menu like a restaurant critic. If the host says dinner is at 7, aim for 7:15—early arrivals just stress everyone out. And yes, offering to help is polite, but take the hint if the host says, “I’ve got it covered.”
If you're attending as a plus-one, check with your host beforehand to ensure it's okay—never assume an open invitation extends to extra guests. Likewise, dietary restrictions should be mentioned in advance, not as the main course is being served. Hosts aren’t short-order cooks, but they’ll appreciate the heads-up and may be able to accommodate. And if they can’t? Eat what you can, enjoy the company, and don’t make a scene—no one wants a dinner party to turn into a debate about gluten.
The golden rule? Be present. Put your phone away (unless you’re taking a quick photo of the stunning tablescape), engage in conversation, and most importantly, say thank you. A quick text the next day telling the host how much fun you had ensures you’ll be invited back.
