Dinner parties: Then and Now

I completely agree with this article by Marilyn Krause about the shift from a formal dinner party to a more casual affair..

"Among the current trends is a move away from multi-course dinner, to one-dish meals, hosting lunch or brunch instead of dinner and purchasing a portion of the meal instead of making everything from scratch.

Let's face it - the aim really is to catch up with new or old friends and share some quality time together in a setting where you are not rushed..

"Simple, easy, casual. It's not unusual for guests to gather in the kitchen nibbling hors d'oeuvres while the cook finishes the entreé."

STLtoday - Dinner parties: Then and Now

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

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Dinner Party Clubs - the Latest Trend

I'm seeing a lot in the news about dinner party clubs.. here's an excerpt from this story about Hidden Kitchen - a dinner-party club where you sign up online..

"Such in-home dinners, underground dining, supper clubs or whatever you want to call them, have blossomed in recent years. Of course, nobody really knows the extent of the trend, but spots have popped up and gotten press in New York; Portland, Ore.; and Paris—where the example, run by young Americans abroad, is also called The Hidden Kitchen"

SN&R > Guides > Best of Sacramento > Best underground dinner party > 09.25.08

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

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Dinner-party Space Problem

This article caught my eye - it talked about a woman who hosts weekly dinner parties in a small apartment.It starts off by saying:

"Chairs are brought in from the other room. Folding tables are pulled out from their hiding places and set up next to the couches. Platters of appetizers are artfully arranged and wine glasses are primed as the main course simmers in the oven.

This dinner party scene sounds much like any other, except for the logistics: no fewer than 10 hungry guests are about to descend on Jane Jordan's 21/2 room apartment.

Where most would be daunted by the prospect of large-scale entertaining in such a small-scale space, Jordan enthusiastically hosts supper gatherings on a weekly basis."

So, if you're short on space but like to entertain, I'd suggest you checking it out..

Dinner-party problem

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

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Gordon Ramsay orders dinner party guests to help out more - Telegraph

On the search for dinner party ideas, we like to keep an eye out on the trends.

And this is what Gordon Ramsay says."The preference these days is for a more laid-back affair than those of former decades. Nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) would rather have a relaxed supper with friends than a formal dinner party."

So, keep these stats in mind when organizing your next dinner party.. yes, dinner parties are back in fashion  but we have different expectation these days..

Gordon Ramsay orders dinner party guests to help out more - Telegraph

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostes

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Clear Trend Back To Home Dinner Parties

In these tough economic times, people are opting for dinner parties in their homes rather than eating out at expensive restaurants. In this article by Judy Adamson, she speaks with former chef Joel Sharpe:

"There's been a big movement," he says. "Back in the '70s there were a lot of dinner parties … then in the '80s and '90s people moved away from that into restaurants. They had money and wanted to spend it, so they would prefer to eat out.

Let's face it, we have access to most of the fine foods a restaurant does now..

"When people are entertaining at home they really want to be able to say [through what they have bought], 'Look how much I like you: I've got you this cheese from Spain' - you know what I mean?"

Let the party begin - Good Living - Entertainment - smh.com.au

Don't forget to check out Judy's three course dinner party menu for under $50..

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

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Four Ways for a Stylish and Tasty Eco Dinner Party

This article by Mairi Beautyman begins by saying that "being eco is not about killing the party. Impressing your dinner guests in an earth conscious way can be as easy as a few small changes." And how can you not agree with this simple statement?

Here are the tips (you can read more by clicking into the link):

1. Say No To Disposables
2. Whip Up Some Sangria
3. Source Local Food
4. Send Home Leftovers

Mairi Beautyman: Four Ways for a Stylish and Tasty Green Dinner Party

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Dinner Party Etiquette Part Two

Check out part two of this 1940s dinner party etiquette video:



Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess