The Manners of Inviting People to Dinner

Interesting Mix

• Choose a group of people that will make for interesting conversation. You may want to invite the same old crowd, but adding a few new acquaintances into the mix will make the evening more interesting.
  
  

Don't Start Conflict

• Avoid inviting people that you know dislike one another because this will make the dinner party awkward and uncomfortable for everyone.
  
  

Invite Guests Properly

• Send invitations instead of inviting your guests in person. Asking someone face-to-face will put her on the spot and make her feel pressured to say yes. Choose email or traditional postal mail to send your invitations out.
  
  

When to Send the Invitations

• Invite guests to your dinner party four to six weeks in advance; this will give them a chance to clear their schedules. If you throw a last-minute dinner party, don't expect a great turnout, as most people will probably already have plans.
  
  

Check for Dietary Restrictions

• Ask your guests in advance if anyone has dietary restrictions. You don't want to serve a main course that someone is allergic to or greatly dislikes.