Different Types of Parties
Entertaining can be done in various ways – either simply at home or lavishly at an outside venue. Parties at home can be done in various ways depending upon the number of guests, their age group, whether it is a formal or informal gathering, etc.
Formal Sit-down Dinner
This is essentially a sit-down dinner and is, thus, possible for the number of people that your dining table can seat.
Hence, it is a dinner for a small group of people and a course meal can be served wherein there is an appetizer, entrée, main meal and dessert – all of which are served at the dining table itself. Crockery and cutlery will need to be set according to the courses to be served and will need to be picked up after the end of each course. Having some staff to clear the table of the previous course would help; otherwise, the hostess would have to do the needful.
Informal Sit-down Dinner
This is a meal that is had at the dining table itself, but is in an informal setting whereby all dishes are placed on the table at the same time and each guest helps themselves to whatever they wish to eat. However, the soup or entrée may be pre served, and the dessert is brought out after the meal is over. The dessert can be eaten at the table itself, or in a lounge area.
Pot-luck
This type of get-together is when a set of friends decide to have a meal together and each brings one dish from their home. Basically, it means that whatever is cooking in the ‘pot’ in every household is brought together for all to sample. Usually, the host (where the party is being held) coordinates the menu with the others so that there are no similar dishes. Also, accompaniments like beverages, salads and breads may be provided by the host.
Buffet Style
This is ideal for a large gathering when there is not enough ‘table seating’. The meal is served as a buffet whereby all guests serve themselves from a centre table and sit elsewhere to eat. The menu should be such that all items can be easily eaten with only a spoon or fork. Dishes that need both hands (knife and fork) should be avoided, as one hand is required to hold the plate!
