Need a Great Idea for Your Next Party? Consider a Progressive Dinner
The progressive dinner has gone in and out of style as a way to throw an outstanding party on a budget. Today, progressive dinners are back in vogue, often paired with a theme to make the party a bit more festive.
If you have never heard of a progressive dinner, here is the basic idea. A group of people start out in one person’s home for appetizers and before-dinner drinks. They then move on to someone else’s house to enjoy a first course. The progression continues throughout the meal until they reach the final home for the dessert course.
The progressive nature of the meal divides the workload among several hosts. It also keeps the party going, because when the inevitable silence lapses over the group, it is time to move on. Nonetheless, there are some considerations that you must keep in mind to make the dinner a success.
The Menu
Some groups prefer to coordinate the menu so that all courses work together. Others prefer the “luck of the draw.” Whichever way your group prefers, there is one hard and fast rule of successful progressive dinners: the food needs to be easy. Making dishes ahead and reheating them is a great way to handle this. Remember that the point is to keep moving, so no more than an hour should be spent at each home.
The Group
Consider the facilities of each home before finalizing your guest list. Most people simply do not have the space to host a sit-down meal for 30 guests. Many groups find that limiting the guest list to 6-8 people allows for a more intimate atmosphere and fits the constraints of modern entertaining.
The Transportation
Limited parking is a very real problem in many cities. Even if parking is not a concern, why should the party stop between courses? Choosing two designated drivers allows everyone to socialize and enjoy the ride between homes. Why not take the opportunity to show off your Certified Mercedes to your friends by volunteering to drive? Just remember not to drink if you will be driving.
Putting It All Together
A progressive dinner is a great way to add some excitement to your next party, while breaking up the workload between multiple hosts. Follow the simple tips above for a progressive dinner that is sure to be a hit.
Filed Under: Certified Mercedes-Benz
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