Comments on: Five Steps to a Holiday Dinner that Will Put YOU on the Map

By: Deanne Brandstetter

Deanne Brandstetter — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:11:57 +0000

I have found that some of the most successful parties I've hosted are centered around the kitchen-especially with a large island where guests can "hang out", watch the chef and taste courses hot off the flame. It's a great icebreaker also for folks who don't now each other well and can also work well if you don't have lots of space to seat everyone at a table.

By: Tony Ieradi

Tony Ieradi — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:05:16 +0000

Over the past 6 years I've hosted an event for anywhere from 15 to 20 friends at a local restaurant. We work out all the specifics (including costs) up front with the owners. We take a small section off the main dining room and have hors-devours of various types (party starts at 8:00). Some of the folks that come are people I see once or twice a year and typically everyone is familiar with each other. I run an open bar until 10:00 and most people end up hanging around afterwards. It's one of our favorite events of the year.

By: Keith Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:45:53 +0000

Kel, you'd be surprised what you can pull off in even a tiny studio - there's actually a story in the Guide about that. But if you'd prefer to take it outside your home, I recommend getting a small private room at a restaurant, preferably one where they'll let you dress the table yourself (with candles, place cards, etc), and where you can control the lighting - and even better, sound. And preferably one with the right-sized table - long, but around 28'' across. I've been at restaurants where I've had to rent and bring in my own tables, but that can get expensive and I don't recommend it!! Finally, getting them to serve meals family style will help make your dinner intimate and homey, despite the venue. I'm more or less repeating the advice in the guide, so if this is sparking ideas for you, definitely download it.

By: Diana

Diana — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:48:08 +0000

When we host a party there are always 'groups' of people: my work, his work, neighbors, and old friends. When the sub-groups have caught up and are settled in for a good time is when we mix it up. As host or hostess we invite 2-3 people at a time to meet and introduce to another group but always providing them with a common theme or interest. It seems to work well and it's always rewarding to see former strangers become engaged and find other topics to talk about - happens almost everytime. Another tip is to place main foods separate from snacks/appetizers, and particularly beverages so that folks do have to approach other areas where they have not become 'stationed'. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:27:42 +0000

Christmas CD is a great idea, especially if they are songs in the public domain and you've gotten permission from the recording artists, etc. "Hey, remember that Christmas where we avoided RIAA lawsuits!"

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:26:11 +0000

I'd love to hear tips for hosting such gatherings when you don't have a home in which you can hold dinner parties in (i.e. a tiny NYC apartment). How can you best achieve the same warm results while holding such events at a public location (like a bar)? It seems as though you lose the ability to coordinate aspects of the event (such as seating, final guest list, etc.) when you are not having the event in your home.

By: Peter Osborne

Peter Osborne — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:23:37 +0000

Great list, but one word of caution about the tip to not seat couples together. Know your guests! If one spouse is insecure, be careful about sitting their partner next to the best-looking person at the party. And yes, that's a tip learned the hard way.

By: Bob Korzeniewski

Bob Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:04:24 +0000

An easy idea for small party gifts for your guests (6-8) is to make a Christmas CD. You can personalize your top 15+ Holiday songs and send each guest off remembering you not only for the night but everytime they fire up thier music during the season! Only takes a small amount of effort to have a lsting memory.