Tip of the Week
Look here each Monday for a new tip to make entertaining a snap.
Tardy Guests
Have you ever found yourself apologizing for holding up dinner because some of your guests are late? And did you wonder how long you were supposed to wait for the guests to arrive? If so, don't let it happen again.
The next time you find yourself fretting over the roast that's drying out or the risotto that is becoming cold and gloppy because some of your guests are late, hold dinner no longer than 15 - 20 minutes. Proper etiquette requires that you need not wait any longer than that. It's not fair to your guests that are on time to have to eat sub-par food because of a few stragglers. And it's not fair to you, the hostess, to present anything less than your best because of tardy arrivals.
Of course, make sure when you issue invitations that you are very clear about the time dinner will be served to avoid different interpretations.
And if you are the tardy guest, it is a kindness to your hostess and fellow diners to call if you find yourself running late or stuck in traffic. That way, with a good estimate of your arrival time, the hostess can decide whether there is anything she can do to keep dinner at its best until you do get there.
Do you have a favorite entertaining tip? Send it to us using our simple submission form. If selected, I will post it with your name in future weeks.
