Entertaining & Etiquette

So you and the Mrs are invited to a “less than stellar” restaurant or, even worse, an acquaintance’s home for dinner! Somehow they know you’re “particular about food” and keep asking your opinion ...

We are always the host of friend get togethers. While I wouldn't call these get togethers "dinner parties", they are events where I cook for everyone. I get great joy and satisfaction out of doin...

Hypothetically, let’s say you invited 20 friends to your home for wine-tasting and dinner. 10 of the invitees rsvp within the allotted time. Plus two are “likely maybes”, which makes 12 total. At...

We're throwing a party at the park for my son's 4th birthday. I know I want to make the Momofuku birthday cake/cupcakes. (I made it last year and I think it's the best cake I've ever had!). For foo...

by Melanie Wong 5 months ago

" . . . One other way of handling a horrifying guest is to follow the 'shun, don't shame' advice of Daniel Buccino, the director of the Johns Hopkins Civility Initiative. 'If somebody calls that yo...

Here we are at a popular local arts theater waiting for the film to begin when a couple comes in, paper bag in hand, and begins to spread their larder on their laps. It was a sandwich and sides the...

by Melanie Wong 7 months ago

"Yuki Tatsumi was working as a waiter in a restaurant when one day, as he was cleaning up a table, he noticed that a customer had intricately folded up the paper chopstick sleeve and left it behind...

I've been invited to a friends suprise birthday party by a mutual acquaintance. When she had initially invited she did not mention there would be a cost and I had even asked her if she needed anyth...

Scenario A: Greek Resto X was a two hour drive from home and had delicious moussaka. I happened to be in the area on business and ordered take-out. My mouth was watering during the drive home b...

Hello chowhound! I'm a newbie here but have been lurking and cooking for awhile. I recently turned 20 and I cook dinner for company 2-3 nights per week. During the school week I keep meals simple b...

by danhole 11 years ago

What is the standard, wherever you are, after a death in the family? Does someone bring food to your home, for the family, or is food provided after the service (as in funeral/memorial/burial)? I a...

Hello - I am planning a party for about 60 people. It is going to be a BBQ, and I am going to get ribs for 45 catered from a local BBQ joint. I am going to do the sides myself, and also am thinking...

If I bring a good bottle of desert wine to a neighbors house, is it proper to take the leftovers home?

I recently visited some family in a situation where I knew that showing up with a gift would be challenging (they have very lofty standards regarding food and design in terms of what is/isn't ok) a...

Hello Chowhounders! I've just come back from a trip and my husband has decided he would like to have a barbecue tomorrow for the 4th of July. I'm happy to host - we like to entertain and keep e...

Often times, dh eats his meal within 5-10 minutes of him being served. He occasionally will sit there with the kids and myself to relax or process the meal, but a lot of times, whether he waits a f...

Hello, I saw a four year old post about alternative to taco catering for a children's party. I was wondering if you all had any ideas beyond BBQ, a food truck (logistics don't work), and burgers? A...

Seems there are two rules of thought -- that it be left on the chair (as no one wants to see a used napkin on the table or next to a dish) -- which is what I usually do; or, that it be left to the ...

I’m hosting a pickle party- where everyone has to bring a dish featuring pickles. It will be a small gathering, so I only want like 3 or 4 categories for priZes. Most creative or unique? Best o...