Organising Dinners Out
Social get-togethers tend to revolve around meals. 'Should we meet for lunch?', 'let's do a big dinner', 'are you free for afternoon tea?' We all have to eat and most of us enjoy drinking, so why not group our friends and do it altogether? Easier said than done. Organising dinners out can be a headache and a half. People have busy schedules, budgets, preferences and social awkwardness that any good host or organiser will have to work around if they want their plan to be a success.
Some tips on how to get it done and done well:
Give people notice:
If your friends live hectic lives then book them in advance. Take the initiative by finding a restaurant that you've never been to but have been meaning to try, or one that is a mutual favourite. Send out an email to your friends suggesting a date and then take it from there. But if it's Friday afternoon and you're trying to arrange 12 people to go for dinner that night or even the next one, you're simply dreaming.
Cheap and cheerful:
You know your friends better than anyone. If budget is an issue then it would be silly to suggest an expensive restaurant - you don't want to make people feel uncomfortable or left out. There is always a cheaper option so maybe this once, pick it. Another possibility of course, is to have your friends over. You can cook and they can bring wine and desert. Or if times are tight for you as well, suggest a pot-luck. If weather permits you can entertain guests in your garden. I'm sure everyone will appreciate the comfort and cosiness of dining in.
Personality clashes:
Some friends are impossible to pair. They're outspoken or jealous or just generally difficult. Even if your friends are easy peasy, they will still gravitate to some people more than others. Think about your friends interests and organise dinner parties accordingly. If you're looking to set people up, you might invite them to a dinner that has a balanced mix of singles and couples. Of course you can always count on that one staple friend who gets along with everyone - they can come to everything.
This may sound like an earful but it's really not. Even if you're not a natural organiser it's always nice to take initiative every now and then, if for no other reason than to give something back to the friends who always do it for you.
About the Author
Zesti Furniture has a range of products for both indoor and outdoor comfort. Zesti design and manufacture a range of timeless and elegant products to suit every shady spot, patio or terrace. The design of our furniture is second to none. For more on outdoor wicker patio furniture visit http://www.zestifurniture.co.uk/sets/rattan-wicker-sets
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