How to Host a Restaurant Dinner

Everyone loves a good dinner party. There’s not much that compares to the act of bringing together a group of close friends and family to socialise and enjoy a well-cooked meal. But there’s no rule forbidding you from hosting your dinner party outside the confines of your home. For those who tend to get pressed for time or don’t have much space to work with, hosting a dinner party at a restaurant is a welcome alternative. Even if you don’t have a problem whipping up a delicious meal at home, there are plenty of advantages to hosting a dinner party at a restaurant. You don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning when you’re eating out which means you can spend more time with your guests. If you’ve never hosted a dinner party at a restaurant, keep these tips in mind when you’re planning your outing:

Pick a Good Restaurant

This should be the first order of business. Anything less than the best should not be considered an option. If you’re going to host your dinner party at a steakhouse for instance, make sure it’s one that serves only the finest beef cuts and premium wine. Also consider your guest’s dietary restrictions when you’re trying to decide which restaurant to dine at.

Arrange the Seating Accordingly

Most restaurants can seat 8-10 people at one table. Anything more than that will likely require you to group a few small tables together so your guests can actually have a conversation. Ideally, everyone should be able to speak to one another without having to raise their voices too much  

Don’t Forget That You’re the Host

You might not be at home, but you’re still the host. Take special care to make sure your guests feel welcome. If any important messages need to be shared with the staff, make sure you’re the one to do it. Most of all, make sure everyone is having a good time, just as you would if the dinner party was taking place at home.

Sort out Money Matters

When some people host a dinner at a restaurant, they prefer not to let their guests split the bill. The rationale is simple: if the dinner party were being held at home they wouldn’t charge people to eat, so they extend the same courtesy when they’re eating out. If you expect your guests to split the bill, make that explicitly clear in the invite.  

Have Fun

Dinner parties are supposed to be remembered long after everyone has had the last bite of their meal. While food and drink contribute to the experience, the best parts of a dinner party are the atmosphere and conversation. Half the battle is won if you can find a way to keep the mood light and the conversations. All these tips boil down to one word: effort. If you’re determined to give your guests an unforgettable experience, it’ll show in how much energy you invest in making your night out a success.