Want optimal attendance and happy house guests?
Our experts all agree this is the perfect time to host your dinner.
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While entertaining trends are ever-changing (remember the butter board?
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), one thing that will never go out of style is throwing a greatdinner party.
Southerners are especially adept at this time-tested art.
We dazzle our guests with beautiful tables set with both thegood chinaandcloth napkins.
We always have asignature cocktailand a great playlist on hand to keep spirits high.
And were never, ever caught without fresh flowers and a candle burning to further set the mood.
Theres no disputing that we certainly know how tothrow a great dinner party, but do we knowwhen?
To pose the question more clearly: When is the perfect time to host a dinner party?
Should guests arrive at 6?
Does dinner start at 8?
Meet the Experts
What Is The Best Time To Host A Dinner Party?
People need time to wrap up their day.
Its nice to offer a cushion arrival period.
Then, of course, the host must consider their commute.
With those factors in mind, 7 p.m. is ideal.
Are There Other Optimal Times To Consider?
In a city like New York, however, Id take that about 30 minutes later.
Frischkorns biggest tip forplanning a dinner partyis to consider the phase of life most of your guests are in.
Are you going to have cocktails, then dinner?
Are you planning to sit and chat after dinner?
Will dinner be plated orbuffet-style?
Each of these questions needs to be answered before deciding on a time, according to Vernon-Thompson.
