Allow me to hijack this thread even before I've read the rest of the
responses to it and ask:

If you're going to a party given by a non-foodie or someone you know
doesn't have the basics of entertaining down, what can you bring that
will be appreciated and will improve matters? I'm thinking that any
elaborate hot dish won't do the trick. It would have to be something
relatively simple, ample and appealing to people who don't eat well the
rest of the time. Maybe a tray with lots of fresh fruits all cut up
beautifully, or a selection of home made dips? Or skip the food and
bring a guitar if you know how to play?


What, besides food, makes a great party? And what makes a bad one? I
can imagine being in a bad mood too if I'd attended a crowded party with
bad food, a lot of people I didn't know and nothing in the way of
entertainment to help me break the ice.


For me, the problem wouldn't be with the food, it would be with my own
difficulty in starting a conversation. I'm great about introducing
myself and saying something pleasant about the food or asking someone to
dance or asking normal questions about how people like living in the
city we all live in. But if the food is horrible, and it is too noisy
and crowded to talk or dance, I run out of conversation starters and can
never get the volume right. (Do I yell because it is too noisy? That's
hard when I'm meeting someone for the first time. Do I try to run off
to somewhere quieter? That's not exactly easy with a new acquaintance
either.) I find myself standing staring into space with a soggy glass
of lemonade and a potato chip. In other words, what do you do to
improve a bad party once you're there? (That's a serious, non-sarcastic
question. I believe I'm fairly good at improving situations but not great.)


--Lia



BillKirch wrote:
> I'm tired of going to peoples homes for a party and seeing those stupid sausage
> weenies and tiny little cereal bowls of Guacamole enough for 4 people at a
> party for 30, in an apartment that can hold 18. The bad taste people have is
> unbelievable. One bottle of wine. No napkins,or ice, cheap paper plates that
> bend and cups that are either too big or too small..cheap Dip they bought at
> the store. The list is unending. Here's a tip. DON'T throw a party if you can't
> afford to throw a party. And if you do, get MORE than enough for everyone. Or
> better yet ....cater it. Merry Xmas