It's Just A Dinner Party: The Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease (Capital Lifestyles) - Softcover

Malloy, Julie; Malloy, Ron

9781931868501: It's Just A Dinner Party: The Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease (Capital Lifestyles)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931868506 ISBN 13: 9781931868501

Publisher: Capital Books, 2001

Despite the abundance of lifestyle books on the market, none meet the entertaining needs of busy young adults. Many have both financial and personal independence, and along with this come the expectation to maintain, decorate, and entertain - all of the things their parents did - with far less time. It’s Just a Dinner Party simplifies and demystifies the art of throwing a dinner party and debunks the impossible standard and craft-focus aesthetic set by Martha Stewart and other style mavens. These twenty-something professional reveal straightforward and simple techniques for party planning, relaxed etiquette, bar and menu basics, and even a few reliable recipes for any occasion. Additionally, this book is uniquely couple-focused, rather than homemaker-focused; its essence is a "guest-centric" approach that stresses simplicity, grace, and a refreshingly genuine hospitality. Includes recipes for dining and cocktail, easy and elegant table settings, invitations, and entertainment tips.

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About the Author:

Ron and Julie Malloy are both successful business executives. Ron is the co-founder and CEO of Design2Launch, Inc., a software system provider. Julie owns Bad Cat Productions, a product development, marketing and consulting firm. Her public relations work has appeared in, among others, the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the San Diego Tribune. This is their first book.

Invitations
Luckily, if you use your head and know your guests (applying the guest-centric approach) you'll fall within the rules of etiquette on timing naturally. Know your guests and what their lives are like. Do they have kids? Are you inviting the kids or will they need a sitter? Is anyone elderly or unable to drive in the dark? Accomodate all of your invitees. That said, you can always fall back on the "rules," which are:
-Three to six weeks for a formal dinner
-A few days for informal dinners, lunches, or teas
-Two to four weeks for a cocktail party
-Two to six weeks for a holiday dinner
-Last minute invitations, written or called, are fine only for very casual get-togethers or family

Avoid telephone or e-mail invitations. They are unreliable and better suited for spontaneous, informal parties.

You wouldn't know it from what you see in other books and magazines, but the most important element in an invitation is the information. Not the fluff, glitter, bows, paper quality, or typeface. The infomration.

Luckily, you already know the basics:
-Who the party is for
-What type of party it is--and what type of food will be served
-Where it is
-Why you are having the party
-When the party is

Include this information in your invitation. Then add:
-Who you are and how to reach you
-An RSVP requirement and instructions
-A map or written directions to the event location
-Other pertinent information (attire, gift acceptance, etc.)

Remember, your guests should not have to pull a Sherlock Holmes to figure out whether to bring a gift, what to wear, where you live, or how to RSVP. It shouldn't be hard to attend a party. Give them the information. Also, try to avoid cutesy terms or vague instructions. "Festive Attire" could lead to guests arriving in hong bikinis, body glitter, and feather headresses. Be warned (and be more specific.)

While we don't encourage spending a preponderance of your free time making your invitations, the appearance of your invitations is important for two reasons.
-Invitations set the tone of your party
-Invitations should be "inviting"

Common sense rules here. If you want your guests to come in black tie, be sure your invitation reflects that kind of quality and effort. If you want your guests to come and "let it all hang out," your invitation should portray this. You don't need to go overboard, but remember an invitation is a written way of asking people to do you the favor of attending your party. Ask nicely.

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