Four Vital Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Dinner Party

Tips for a Stress-Free Party

Every hostess should ask her guests three vital questions. Before the menu for any soiree is chosen or invented, and even before a grocery list is written, a few things must be considered. Being prepared could mean the difference between a delightful night and certain catastrophe.

Who has allergies, and to what?

Hundreds of people die of allergic reactions every year. Certain ingredients could be a potential threat for guests at a dinner party, as could pets. Dander can be lessened with extra cleaning. Antihistamines can be purchased just in case. As for food, what if a must-have dish is loaded with peanuts, but one partygoer cannot handle contact with the salty little buggers?

Keep everything that comes in contact with those nuts separate from the other dishes! For example, if nuts come in contact with a mixer, wash that mixer before using it for another dish. It only takes one renegade crumb to trigger an allergic reaction. Also, be careful not to use peanut oil or peanut butter carelessly in that particular situation.

Is it okay to serve alcohol?

Though this may be a touchy subject, it is also a crucial one. Some alcoholics who remain sober have a seriously hard time anywhere near their vice. Some people feel the need to leave a room at the mere sight of it; temptation will be avoided at all costs. To accommodate such a partygoer, remember that plenty of beverages can replace a bottle of wine. Sparkling cider, for instance, is both classy and safe for everyone.

Is anybody on a strict diet?

It's not that each course should be tailored to one picky person's desires. However, at least one item should be served for the dieting guest to enjoy guiltlessly. Also, what a nightmare it would be to surprise friends with a sugary dessert like peach cobbler, only to find out that one is diabetic! Then to be informed that another is disgusted by peaches, the main ingredient, would only make matters worse.

Are the children coming?