Being a great dinner party host comes down to a number of factors, but above all else it’s about being polite and accommodating to your guests. Before dinner is served, I like to limit the time I spend talking in order to do more listening. That way, guests will know that I’m taking an interest in their lives and not just using them as a sounding board for my own bluster.
The selection of dinner fare is also a big part of accommodation. There have been times where I have hosted vegetarians and prepared dishes to please them – and I’m not talking about a dashed-off salad, either. I also like to keep plenty of decaffeinated coffee in the pantry in case my guests prefer not to be hopped up late in the evening. Coffee is a traditional beverage to be served with dessert, but it doesn’t have to be an energizing one.