Dinner Party Problems - and How to Fix Them

What to do to prevent that burnt dish or forgotten course from ruining your night
What to do to prevent that burnt dish or forgotten course from ruining your night


Many hosts know dinner party disasters all too well. Between cooking, tending the bar, and time spent fussing with the floral display and table, sometimes the wine-reduction sauce simmering away on the stovetop skips your mind - until the doorbell rings and you notice for the first time that the house no longer smells of red wine and roasting meat, but of burning food. The calm smile that you planned to greet your guests with has instantly disappeared, and in its place is the image of a panicked host.

In Pictures: 9 Dinner Party Problems - and How to Fix Them

Mistakes happen to both amateur and experienced hosts, but a party crasher or spilled dish need not ruin the meal completely. We've explored the fouls that dinner party guests are most apt to make - but what to do when the host is at fault? Consider, for example, the spouse who invited friends over for dinner - but failed to inform their partner… Until they find out just hours before the meal is to be served, from the guests calling to say they're running late. If you're too strapped for time, you could call for delivery - or would that be the sign of a lazy host? Instead, think smart and shop your pantry, or opt for something really quick and easy - and don't forget the wine. What if your guests are late? Do you begin without them, or extend the cocktail hour a bit more, with a round or two of trivia to keep guests occupied?

Related: 14 Party Essentials to Have in Your Pantry

No matter the disaster, the best remedy to a difficult situation when entertaining is to be prepared and anticipate problems before they arise. Have your pantry stocked with shelf-stable foods that can work for any course of the night. And have a sense of humor and confidence. The host who faces any of the nine following challenges with confidence, and can then share it with guests and laugh about it, is sure to give their guests a night they can both laugh about and enjoy, without letting a few disastrous moments get in the way of their evening.

istock/cglade
istock/cglade

1. The Meal is Burnt
Whether you forgot to add more water to your rice, or you forgot about the fish broiling in the oven, not having a main course to serve guests is many a host's worst nightmare. Yet, with a full pantry, and a little creative genius, you can turn your disaster into a winning moment by thinking on your feet.

I always keep bread, olives, deli meats, and cheeses on hand, not only to offer as a midnight feast should the party keep going into the night, but also because I've learned the hard way that the potential for a slight cooking disaster is commonplace among my dinner parties. And if not, there is always takeout (just dress it up).


istock/daneger
istock/daneger

2. The Guests Are Late (or Don't Show)
Typically, dinner parties are timed to perfection - every course is to be served on time, and enjoyed while still warm. Yet, traffic or a delayed departure are facts of life. If your guests are delayed, hopefully they will let you know, and you can hold off cooking the main course until they arrive. Your guests are a priority, to an extent, and you can brush off the late start as if you just decided to give more time to enjoy cocktails.

Assuming you've let your guests know what time dinner is to be served, if it's been 45 minutes to an hour, and you still haven't heard from them when you've called both cellphones and the house, it's time to move on - the party will continue without them. (And should they arrive two hours later, give them a cocktail and serve them a plate of whatever you have, warmed up. Don't let them spoil your night.)


istock/creativefire
istock/creativefire

3. The Power Goes Out
Your first course was served with style and grace and then the power went off just as you were finishing off your braised lamb chops, leaving you alone in the dark kitchen. Even if you're not lucky enough to have a gas stove, there is no need to panic. While a romantic dinner for eight may not be the theme you were going for, a candlelit atmosphere makes for a memorable evening. Serve what you can (lighting up the grill outside, if necessary), and supplement with whatever is in the pantry - or the ice cream in the freezer. And if all else fails, at least you've got alcohol.


istock/yinyang
istock/yinyang

4. Your Kid or Pet Crashes the Party
When you're the parent of two young kids (or a four-legged pet), don't be surprised if one of them crashes the party. Take it as a compliment - even they know you throw the best parties around. Get up, ask one of your guests to ensure everyone gets more food and drink, and quietly slip away to tuck the little one back into their bed (or cage). If your guests are entertained by the little one's presence, then let them stay for a bit - they'll be apt to grow bored. Just don't make a habit of it.









Click here for 5 More Dinner Party Problems and How to Fix Them


- Coryanne Ettiene,The Daily Meal

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