Hosting a fabulous dinner party can feel like one giant juggling act. Before guests arrive, you need to clean the house, prep the food, and get dressed in a statement-making outfit befitting of a host. Once guests arrive, you need to greet them and provide introductions—all while circulating appetizers, putting the finishing touches on the main dish, and ensuring everyone's satisfied with your food and drink selections. But when it comes to what guests are eating and drinking, etiquette experts say there are a handful of things they'd never serve at a dinner party. Here's what they recommend avoiding.
RELATED: The 6 Best Things to Ask Guests to Bring—If They Offer.
1 Pork, shellfish, or beef
Depending on your guests, serving beef, shellfish, or pork could be a faux pas.
"If you are hosting people from the Middle East, you might want to avoid things containing pork, shellfish, or alcohol, and if you are hosting people from India, you might want to avoid including beef," says Jamila Musayeva, a certified etiquette expert. "I would opt for making dishes that can be consumed by everyone regardless of their religion or cultural background."
2 Sushi
Sushi is a crowd-pleaser but could be more trouble than it's worth. "While it's delicious and delicate, maintaining the freshness of raw fish poses a challenge while entertaining a large number of guests and presents food safety concerns," says Cameron Forbes, founder of the boutique event planning company Forbes Functions.
Items like gazpacho and egg drop soup create a similar issue. "For example, gazpacho must be served cold, requiring refrigeration until just before serving," says Forbes. "This can cause logistical challenges if the space in your refrigerator is limited, especially when hosting a larger group, as gazpacho left out too long can lose its refreshing taste and become less enjoyable."
Less finicky items are always better—and safer—since nothing leaves a bad taste in your guests' mouths quite like food poisoning.
RELATED: 6 Items You Should Always Have in Your Kitchen When Guests Come Over.
3 Chardonnay
Serving chardonnay could ruffle some feathers. "It may seem like a tame choice, but I have never seen guests turn up their noses the way they do when a server tells them their only white wine choice is Chardonnay or, even worse, an American one," says Morris Roslyn, level 3 sommelier and founder and CEO of wine consultancy Francey Not Fancy. "I was at a wedding last year as a guest, and I watched several people skip wine entirely when they found out that Chardonnay was their only option."
Instead, serve a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc as a white wine option. They have a tamer flavor profile and mouthfeel that even beginner wine drinkers can usually appreciate.
4 A complicated main dish
Your guests might feel snubbed if you spend all evening in the kitchen. "I would never serve an overly complex, labor-intensive dish like homemade paella at a dinner party," says Forbes. "The more complex a recipe, the more attention it requires, and keeping time and effort minimal is critical when catering to a crowd."
She suggests choosing something more straightforward that can be prepared in advance or with minimal hands-on time: "That way, the host can dedicate their attention to the festivities rather than the foods."
Plus, the meal is much more likely to turn out well if you can give it the amount of attention it deserves—and that won't be the case if you're making it while hugging guests hello.
RELATED: 6 Questions You Should Never Ask at a Dinner Party, Etiquette Experts Say.
5 Extra-strong cocktails
Finally, skip the extra boozy drinks—like Long Island iced teas and martinis—at your next dinner party soiree. Or, if you do, serve just one at the beginning or end of the event.
"The host should always strive to avoid overserving their guests," says Forbes. "Ensure there is plenty of water and other non-alcoholic options, steer clear of heavy pours, and remind guests to imbibe respectfully and consciously on the invitation."
Juliana LaBianca Juliana is an experienced features editor and writer.Read moreFiled UnderEtiquette • FoodRead This NextWhat to Ask Guests to Bring to a Dinner Party
These items will help your attendees feel involved—without putting too much pressure on them.February 18, 20246 Questions to Never Ask at a Dinner Party
You might not realize it, but these questions are actually considered rude.August 29, 2023Jokes You Should Never Tell at a Dinner Party
These are the bits you'll want to leave behind before you're in mixed company.July 13, 20236 Items You Need on Your Bar Cart
These are the best ways to ensure you'll be serving up memorably good cocktails.March 8, 202311 Things to Put Away When Guests Come Over
If you want to be the host with the most, follow this easy advice.March 4, 2024Put These 5 Kitchen Items Away When Guests Come Over
Leaving these items out can make your home feel messy and uninviting, experts say.April 28, 20235 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Kitchen Smells
Try out these tricks if you need to eliminate odors fast, cleaning experts say.June 6, 20235 Things to Always Put Out for Houseguests
Always have these on hand before your guests arrive.December 9, 20235 Hosting Tips When Your Guests Don't Drink
It's important to make sure sober friends feel comfortable and have a great time.August 25, 2023The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017
