When you need to feed a large group, letting a restaurant handle the hard work is a no-brainer. It keeps you from having to clean both before and after the event or spending the entire night working over a hot stove instead of chit-chatting with friends or family. But hosting a large party at a restaurant comes with its own unique challenges, both for you as the host and the restaurant workers trying to ensure you have a smooth evening.
A little preparation can help you avoid dinner party mistakes like long wait times, menu confusion, issues with dietary preferences or allergens, and payment headaches. You can make the evening run smoothly by confirming a few things upfront to ensure no one holds up the event or arrives starving, only to find there's nothing to eat. And the restaurant staff is the champion you deserve in this endeavor.
Daily Meal spoke with experts to determine the best questions to ask when planning a restaurant party. Logistical considerations Before you even choose a restaurant, there's some general information you need to gather. Certified etiquette consultant Nikesha Tannehill Tyson, senior etiquette trainer at Shreveport, Louisiana-based The Swann School of Protocol , advises getting information about general dietary preferences when you gather information about the date and time guests are available.
If there are vegan guests among you, even the best restaurant in your state is an inconvenience at best if it's a steakhouse. It's also a good idea to jot.