Informal Dinners
Every dinner party that varies even slightly from the rules laid down for "formal dinners" can't be described as other than informal. But the degree of informality depends entirely on the circumstances and taste of the host or hostess. A hostess who has several servants may serve a dinner formal in all respects except that she may serve only three courses or choose to have her husband carve the roast or use her linen mats rather than her damask tablecloth, therefore it would be considered an informal dinner.
The hostess who belongs to the great majority of women with no help at all, or with only a maid hired for the evening, should consult with the blogs on formal dinners, too, for many of the suggestions made there will be equally useful as she plans and prepares for a less formal occasion. For example, the consideration given to her guest list can be no less careful than that bestowed on hers by the hostess whose household regularly includes a butler and two footmen. The rules for an informal dinner derive from the rules of a formal dinner, and an acquaintance with both will greatly facilitate every step of the proceedings.
The first consideration of your party should be the size. Eight is the maximum number that can be served comfortably at a sit-down dinner without help. If you plan to invite more than eight, you have a further choice. Should it be possible to seat more than eight at your table, you can chose to have a semi-buffet, with the guests serving themselves from a sideboard, but sitting together at the table. Otherwise you need to plan a buffet dinner.
Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 2 January 2012, 4:38 PM 
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: informal dinner small group eti
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: informal dinner small group eti
Comments