The Dinner Party Plan

What do I bring to a dinner party? The dreaded question we all encounter. It’s a question that can easily cause one to break out into a sweat.  It’s a major question.  Critical because we what we bring says something about who we are. No one wants to be judged. There are times when we all need to dress to impress. But, in order to shut it down in any occasion, you need a brief!..and a plan!

So, here’s how to win and the dinner party wine game! 

1. Assess your Audience: the question of budget

Are these your twenty-something friends from college?  Work colleagues? Maybe you’ve been invited to the boss’s house for dinner? This will help you determine your budget. While we all love our college buddies, this is no time to tap into your savings. On the other hand, you’re dining with the boss or your future soulmate…considered this an investment in your future.

2. Assess the environment: the question of time investment

Are you 4, 8 or 28? Intimate environments require more intimate selections whereas bigger parties permit a little more flexibility as you’re likely to have a miss mash of red, white and everything in between.   

If its 4, spend the time. invest the time in finding a selection that make sense for the guests and menu. If its 28, grab something from our stash and slap a bow on it!

3. Assess the menu: determining direction

If you have any insight into what’s being served, this may give you a clue to red, white or rose.  It may also give you an insight into what your hosts or fellow guest may like to drink. If you’re hitting a clambake on the beach, for example, steer clear of the heavy reds.

Ok, this should give you enough info to get narrow it down and come out looking like star, no matter the situation. 

Example if its 6 of your college buddies for a Sunday dinner of lasagna and Homeland, go for a red in the $10-$15 range. And as the Italians invented pasta, you can’t go wrong with something from the old country. A Nebbiolo or N’ero D’vola should suite nicely.