# Dinner Parties **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 19, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529 "2011-07-19T01:00:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/21 "2011-07-19T02:27:40Z")
> [@YaraMateo](#): > > I know I’m doing next weekend. 🙂 > > I like your idea on themes. I’m not really a good cook. I think I’ll cook a local resturant. Maybe I’ll try something exotic. For your first endeavor, I’d recommend something you are fairly confident cooking, or which is very simple (hence my rec for roast meats). Only try one experiment per meal, otherwise you’re apt to end up with problems. For example - try making your own bread or ice cream. If it’s a total disaster, you can run out and buy a replacement. If it’s a total win, people will be in awe. ---
**Author:** ![rock\_party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e19b73/32.png) [@rock\_party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rock_party)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/22 "2011-07-19T02:47:13Z")
Do people still call them “dinner parties” these days? I think just calling it “dinner” or “a dinner” sounds more like the 21st century. “I’m having a dinner party and I’d like to invite you” “I’m having a dinner and I’d like to invite you” ---
**Author:** ![BlueKangaroo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3d9bf3/32.png) [@BlueKangaroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueKangaroo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/23 "2011-07-19T02:54:30Z")
Now I’m thinking about who to invite over, and what to make. You’re trouble, lady. If you’re ever in Chicago, I’ll invite you to a (casual) dinner party. ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/24 "2011-07-19T03:15:33Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > That’s one thing to be aware of: If you specify a dress code, you should realize what your guests have available to wear. Most guys nowadays will have a suit jacket and tie, but many won’t have an actual full suit, and I expect that very few indeed will have a proper dinner suit. And unless you’re inviting someone to be in a wedding party, it’s rude to expect your guests to rent appropriate attire for a social event. That’s shocking most men don’t own a full suit. Don’t they realize how sexy it makes them look? :o I think I’ll just ask for semi formal attire. ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/25 "2011-07-19T03:16:58Z")
> [@rock\_party](#): > > Do people still call them “dinner parties” these days? I think just calling it “dinner” or “a dinner” sounds more like the 21st century. > > “I’m having a dinner party and I’d like to invite you” > “I’m having a dinner and I’d like to invite you” To me, they’re different. Dinner could be informal. Paper plates and the like. ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/26 "2011-07-19T03:17:58Z")
> [@BlueKangaroo](#): > > Now I’m thinking about who to invite over, and what to make. > > You’re trouble, lady. If you’re ever in Chicago, I’ll invite you to a (casual) dinner party. Well, if I come over, you better answer. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/27 "2011-07-19T03:20:38Z")
I feel like I go to more dinner parties than party-parties, these days, with 20- and 30-something friends and acquaintances. People are nesting, it usually costs a bit less than a night out drinking (and certainly less than a fancy dinner), and if you go to sites like [Design Sponge](http://www.designsponge.com/)you can find tons of ideas for decorating. My favorite new hipster-approved touch: [tea lights in mason jars](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_moutBSIQBlI/SlJEGRq5ktI/AAAAAAAABfg/kylxt6LoMOg/s400/mason+jars+and+tea+lights.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/28 "2011-07-19T03:25:09Z")
> [@Cat\_Fight](#): > > I feel like I go to more dinner parties than party-parties, these days, with 20- and 30-something friends and acquaintances. People are nesting, it usually costs a bit less than a night out drinking (and certainly less than a fancy dinner), and if you go to sites like [Design Sponge](http://www.designsponge.com/)you can find tons of ideas for decorating. My favorite new hipster-approved touch: [tea lights in mason jars](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_moutBSIQBlI/SlJEGRq5ktI/AAAAAAAABfg/kylxt6LoMOg/s400/mason+jars+and+tea+lights.jpg). Thanks for the links. I wish I was better at DIY stuff. I might enlist my mom to help. I know she has a ton of empty jars. Jars could also do an Alice in Wonderland theme. “Eat Me/Drink Me”. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![BlueKangaroo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3d9bf3/32.png) [@BlueKangaroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueKangaroo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/29 "2011-07-19T03:29:16Z")
> [@YaraMateo](#): > > Well, if I come over, you better answer. 😃 Sure will, so long as you call or text first. It’s the rules. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/30 "2011-07-19T03:31:23Z")
[This book on entertaining](http://www.amazon.com/Like-You-Hospitality-Under-Influence/dp/0446578843)by Amy Sedaris would be perfect for you. Full of great dinner party advice (amongst other things.) Plus, it’s hilarious. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/31 "2011-07-19T03:34:16Z")
I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a “dinner party” as such—called that, and fitting the precise description. I’ve also never been to a cocktail party, as such. I’ve heard about them, often in hypothetical contexts (e.g. “If you’re at a cocktail party and…”), but as far as I can tell they’re entirely mythological. Besides, thanks to my childhood, the first thing that springs to mind when I hear the word “cocktail” is that stuff that comes in a can and has grapes and pears and pineapple and the occasional maraschino cherry, and, while it’s not bad, it’s not exactly worth planning a party around. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/32 "2011-07-19T04:06:42Z")
We used to have a “supper club” that got together once a month at someone’s house. Everyone would bring a dish based on a theme. We dressed up the first time, but that didn’t really last. It burned out a while back. I’ve been trying to restart it, but most of my friends are so busy that it’s damn near impossible to get anyone together for anything. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/33 "2011-07-19T04:28:06Z")
> [@DoctorJ](#): > > We used to have a “supper club” that got together once a month at someone’s house. Everyone would bring a dish based on a theme. We do something similar with our circle of friends, but it isn’t potluck. The hosting couple provides all the food and beverage for the evening, but since there are 6 couples, it works out to having to foot that bill only once every six months. The attire is casual-leaning-toward-dressy, and the themes vary. We hosted ours in early May- an Italian themed dinner- and seated everyone on our back terrace that had just burst into bloom. The original couple who began the tradition are Louisiana natives. They hosted the first in February with a Mardi Gras theme. The next was a couple who are into home brewing and vinting, so theirs was a “He said Beer, She said Wine” party with two pairings for every course to taste and vote! The April couple had a Farmer’s Market/Fresh Food thread running throughout the evening. The upcoming one (next week, I can’t wait!) is a “Summer Vacation” Dinner Party. Many of us have been traveling, and we were told by the hosting couple to bring a small collection of photos to share from our trips! We’re nearing the end of the cycle, and the original couple will start again in September. They spent a couple weeks in Spain this past month, so I know they are planning a dinner inspired by their trip. That puts our next time to host in December, and we’re thinking “Victorian Christmas” complete with costumes (which is okay because almost all of us are Steampunk/Cosplayers, too!) ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2011, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/34 "2011-07-19T23:38:33Z")
> [@BlueKangaroo](#): > > Sure will, so long as you call or text first. It’s the rules. GIMME YOUR PHONE NUMBER. 😉 > [@Bob Ducca](#): > > [This book on entertaining](http://www.amazon.com/Like-You-Hospitality-Under-Influence/dp/0446578843)by Amy Sedaris would be perfect for you. Full of great dinner party advice (amongst other things.) Plus, it’s hilarious. OMG. Thanks! > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a “dinner party” as such—called that, and fitting the precise description. > > I’ve also never been to a cocktail party, as such. I’ve heard about them, often in hypothetical contexts (e.g. “If you’re at a cocktail party and…”), but as far as I can tell they’re entirely mythological. Besides, thanks to my childhood, the first thing that springs to mind when I hear the word “cocktail” is that stuff that comes in a can and has grapes and pears and pineapple and the occasional maraschino cherry, and, while it’s not bad, it’s not exactly worth planning a party around. LOL Yeah, I remember those Delmonte things. My grandmother used to serve them in nice glasses with whipped cream. > [@DoctorJ](#): > > We used to have a “supper club” that got together once a month at someone’s house. Everyone would bring a dish based on a theme. We dressed up the first time, but that didn’t really last. > > It burned out a while back. I’ve been trying to restart it, but most of my friends are so busy that it’s damn near impossible to get anyone together for anything. That sucks. I hope you guys fall back into it. > [@FaerieBeth](#): > > We do something similar with our circle of friends, but it isn’t potluck. The hosting couple provides all the food and beverage for the evening, but since there are 6 couples, it works out to having to foot that bill only once every six months. The attire is casual-leaning-toward-dressy, and the themes vary. > We hosted ours in early May- an Italian themed dinner- and seated everyone on our back terrace that had just burst into bloom. The original couple who began the tradition are Louisiana natives. They hosted the first in February with a Mardi Gras theme. The next was a couple who are into home brewing and vinting, so theirs was a “He said Beer, She said Wine” party with two pairings for every course to taste and vote! The April couple had a Farmer’s Market/Fresh Food thread running throughout the evening. The upcoming one (next week, I can’t wait!) is a “Summer Vacation” Dinner Party. Many of us have been traveling, and we were told by the hosting couple to bring a small collection of photos to share from our trips! > > We’re nearing the end of the cycle, and the original couple will start again in September. They spent a couple weeks in Spain this past month, so I know they are planning a dinner inspired by their trip. That puts our next time to host in December, and we’re thinking “Victorian Christmas” complete with costumes (which is okay because almost all of us are Steampunk/Cosplayers, too!) That sounds awesome. This thread has me thinking I need to befriend foodies. I want to dress up, too. Can I come? 😉 I think if this idea takes off with my circle, I’m going to do an Indian night. It’s a good excuse to wear a sari. > [@Hello\_Again](#): > > For your first endeavor, I’d recommend something you are fairly confident cooking, or which is very simple (hence my rec for roast meats). Only try one experiment per meal, otherwise you’re apt to end up with problems. > > For example - try making your own bread or ice cream. If it’s a total disaster, you can run out and buy a replacement. If it’s a total win, people will be in awe. Thanks for your suggestions. I don’t really cook. So, a lot of it’s going to be restaurant stuff. I do bake, though. So, I’m thinking of a dessert and drink thing. Then being all wasn’t this fun?! Let’s do this more often. Then dive into food and hopefully get a cycle going with everyone taking turns. ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/35 "2011-07-20T00:04:19Z")
> [@YaraMateo](#): > > Thanks for your suggestions. I don’t really cook. So, a lot of it’s going to be restaurant stuff. I do bake, though. So, I’m thinking of a dessert and drink thing. Then being all wasn’t this fun?! Let’s do this more often. Then dive into food and hopefully get a cycle going with everyone taking turns. Takeout in nice serving dishes can be just as much fun as cooking. A dessert and dessert wines/after dinner drinks could be so much fun. ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/36 "2011-07-20T00:06:45Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > Takeout in nice serving dishes can be just as much fun as cooking. A dessert and dessert wines/after dinner drinks could be so much fun. I thinking I might do a homemade strawberry short cake. Maybe get a few pies or cakes from the local bakery and go kind of like a dessert bar with drinks too. ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/37 "2011-07-20T00:14:23Z")
> [@YaraMateo](#): > > I thinking I might do a homemade strawberry short cake. Maybe get a few pies or cakes from the local bakery and go kind of like a dessert bar with drinks too. I’ve been looking at cold fruit soups lately. I need an excuse to make them into shooters as appetizers (or dessert!). It might be time to have another dinner party. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/38 "2011-07-20T00:37:38Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > We do something similar with our circle of friends, but it isn’t potluck. The hosting couple provides all the food and beverage for the evening, but since there are 6 couples, it works out to having to foot that bill only once every six months. The attire is casual-leaning-toward-dressy, and the themes vary. I need more local foodie friends, as this would be totally ideal for my food and cooking interests. ---
**Author:** ![YaraMateo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/58f4c7/32.png) [@YaraMateo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaraMateo)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/39 "2011-07-20T00:47:21Z")
> [@Motorgirl](#): > > I’ve been looking at cold fruit soups lately. I need an excuse to make them into shooters as appetizers (or dessert!). It might be time to have another dinner party. I’ve never heard of those. How do they taste? Super sweet or muted? ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529/40 "2011-07-20T00:54:15Z")
> [@YaraMateo](#): > > I’ve never heard of those. How do they taste? Super sweet or muted? Some are quite sweet, some less so. I have been eyeballing this recipe: [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/health/nutrition/13recipehealth.html?\_r=2&src=me&ref=health](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/health/nutrition/13recipehealth.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=health) And I have made these before: [Strawberry Prosecco Soup](http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Strawberry-Prosecco-Soup-235493) [Honeydew Melon Soup](http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bob-blumer/honeydew-melon-soup-with-ice-wine-recipe/index.html) (I served it in regular bowls, not the melon halves) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-parties/589529.md?page=3)