How to Host a More Inclusive Dinner Party
If you’re looking to create a dinner party for your close friends and family, one thing you shouldn’t ignore is how inclusive the party is going to be. Everyone has different needs and preferences these days, and making sure everyone is satisfied should definitely be one of your top priorities. Here are some tips that you might want to consider next time you’re looking to host a dinner party.
Organize the Table and Seating for Open Conversation
First of all, you need to think about the table and the way you organize it. If you want to make everyone feel comfortable, at ease and part of the conversations that are going to unfold, you should consider a round table. These simply make it easier for people to speak to one another directly when they’re at the dinner table and that’s never a bad thing. You want the conversation to flow freely and this’ll help with that.
Make Sure the Soundtrack Isn’t Too Invasive
You should definitely try to make sure that the soundtrack you supply for the party never becomes too invasive because this simply results in a whole host of unwanted problems. Not everyone wants loud music playing as they’re trying to talk and socialize, so to avoid bothering some people or annoying them, you should try to keep it soft and relatively quiet.
Ask About Allergies
It’s always a good idea to ask your guests about which allergies they have and what you should avoid serving on the night. If you know someone you’ve invited has a particular allergy, you don’t want to design the entire evening’s menu around that food item. Simply asking beforehand will avoid these kinds of problems, so don’t hesitate to do so.
Understand Any Religious Dietary Requirements Too
In some cases, your guests might have dietary requirements that are dictated by their religion. It’s important you take that into account and take it seriously because you don’t want any awkward moments at the dinner table. Find out ahead of time and look into halal options from places like the American Halal Foundation, as well as potential kosher options. People will appreciate that little extra effort.
Make Sure There Are Plenty of Non-Alcoholic Drink Options
Finally, you need to think about the drinks. Not everyone is going to be able to drink alcohol at your party. Some may need to drive or have other things to do after the party, and others simply won’t want to be drinking alcohol all evening. So make sure you have some alternatives that are just as tasty and exciting as any of the alcoholic cocktails you might be serving on the night.
If you’re going to make a dinner party that all your guests are able to enjoy, it makes sense to make it inclusive in the ways we’ve discussed here. You can deliver a dinner party that caters all needs and makes for a part that people will remember for all the right reasons for a long time to come.
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This is a contributed post