When entertaining, there are two secrets to a host’s success: An ability to bring together people and create lasting memories, and the foresight to see — and resolve — problems before they arise. Once a week, our resident experts Mindy Lockard and Coryanne Ettiene will weigh in with helpful advice to help the modern host tackle even the stickiest of situations with grace. Have a question you want answered? Send us an email with your dilemma, and then check back every week for new tips and advice.
This week’s question:
I was recently at a dinner party where the table conversation turned to a topic I was not comfortable with, and the host failed to steer the conversation back on track. I’m hosting a dinner party next week, and am not sure what to do if that happens. What tips do you have for redirecting the conversation should sensitive topics arise?
Coryanne: Sensitive topics are tricky, especially when you add cocktails to the mix. If you are planning a formal, sit-down dinner, add a conversation starter to the back of the place card. This gives something neutral for everyone to share should the need arise — it also makes for a great ice-breaker if you’re mixing together guests who may not know each other very well.
Mindy: This is an oldie but a goodie — just change the subject. Although this is usually the host’s job, if the conversation is on a one-way track to uncomfortable, it's okay for a guest to hop in and intervene. For example, say something like, “Sally, I totally forgot to ask you about your trip to Italy,” or “John, I hear you just bought a new boat, any fun adventures on the horizon?” Sure, everyone might know what you are up to, but most likely, they will all be quite appreciative.
About Our Experts: Mindy Lockard is The Gracious Girl and offers traditional etiquette advice with a modern gracious twist. Coryanne Ettiene believes entertaining at home should be an everyday affair; she shares contemporary advice for modern living at Housewife Bliss.
Click here to see more tips and advice from our experts.
Click here to see more tips for engaging in conversations.
Click here to see what to talk about (and not talk about) at the dinner table.
Click here for some kid-friendly conversation topics.
When dating, dining out can get old fast. Sure, being cooked for, and cared for, is stress-free and relaxing, but where is the romance in being seated elbow-to-elbow like sardines at that tiny Italian hot spot, or having to scream across the table just to... A night out on the town for cocktails and dinner can be fun. But with the deafening restaurant noise, the tiny tables crammed into an even more snug space, and the awkward dates around you, taking your date out can sometimes put a damper on your evening... You’ve been invited for dinner and asked to bring a bottle of wine. Should you ask the store manager at the corner liquor store by your office for something good, and gift it to your host still wrapped in the brown paper bag (or worse yet, plastic...
No comments:
Post a Comment