sf wrote:

>> Thought I'd start a new thread with a subject I've been pondering
>> lately.
>>
>> I want to host a couple of dinner parties in the near future, and am
>> wondering about themes, or merely cuisine types to cook by (I like
>> themes, I'm just geeky like that). In the past I've done Bistro,
>> Italian, Russian, Swedish and regular French.
>>
>> In a ideal world, I'd like to re-create some sumptuous feast such as a
>> British Royal banquet,or the last dinner on the Titantic or some fancy
>> labour-intensive thing. But that's not gonna happen now.
>>
>> What do you like to do for a dinner party? I'd love to hear what
>> others do,especially from such a talented group.
>>
> I think dinner "themes" suck big time. IMO, you have a real lack of
> social skills if you have to resort to that in your own home.


I think it depends on how you implement the theme. If you impose a
requirement for your family to dress in a silly way to humor you for a theme
dinner, that might be a bit weak. But I see nothing wrong with making an
all-Italian dinner. This year for my birthday I'm working on a menu in the
style of Alinea (a famous restaurant in Chicago). Does that constitute a
theme?

Moreover, if you ever watch "Semi-Homemade," you'll see that most of Sandra
Lee's events have some kind of theme, and while she might be somewhat
lacking in the culinary department, I'd venture to say that she has
exceptional social skills. Same thing with Rachael Ray and her "30-Minute
Meals" (which of course in reality take longer than 30 minutes to cook, but
they're still pretty fast).

Bob