If you're the type of person who has different groups of friends, it can be an exciting idea to throw one big dinner party where the various cross-sections of your life come together. You envision everyone mingling, lots of laughter, an effortless flow of conversation and perhaps some new friendships formed. The reality, however, is that this type of guest list runs the risk of awkwardness, silence and people only sticking to the one or two others they know. So, if you're throwing a party where the guests don't really know each other, digital cooking-show host Hilah Johnson has a few suggestions to help ensure the event goes smoothly.
1. Plan your seating arrangement wisely.
Out of all your friends, pick out a few who you consider to be the best conversationalists. When you're planning who should sit where for dinner, place these friends in the midst of those who may not be as chatty. "Try to spread them out strategically at the dinner table so they can help facilitate the conversation," Johnson says.
2. Kick things off with cocktails.
A pre-dinner happy hour often helps in these situations, Johnson points out. "This is a very standard thing, and I think most people appreciate it," she says. "A little bit of 'liquid courage' at a party where they don't know anyone."
3. Have some games ready to go.
"I know it sounds a little corny, but have some card games, have some trivia games, have some charades if you feel like your guests might be up for that," Johnson suggests. "[It's] something to give people something else to focus on besides themselves... And before you know it, no one's even paying attention to the game. Everyone's just laughing and having fun."
5 Mistakes People Make When Meeting Someone New
Mistake #1: Offering To Order Everyone Drinks From The Open Bar(01 of05)
Open Image ModalMistake #2: Connecting By Complaining(02 of05)
Open Image ModalSharing gripes is an easy way to bond -- after all, everyone has so many -- but what starts as an ice-breaker can quickly launch a snark spiral. You have the right idea, which is to find common ground. Say a co-worker at your new job mentions the way your boss only invites a few favored employees to eat lunch with her every day -- a habit you've noticed, as well. Instead of saying, "And another annoying thing she does is..." try something like, "I've never been a big fan of the middle-school cafeteria, either. Actually, I was thinking of going out to eat, but I can't decide where to go -- do you know of a good place around here?" Something that acknowledges the complaints you share but redirects them in a more productive -- or at least more neutral -- way. (credit:Thinkstock)
Mistake #3: Pretending That You Don't Know A Lot About Each Other, When You Actually Do(03 of05)
Open Image ModalLet's acknowledge that it can be awkward to meet someone after having admired her Instagram food photography from afar, or having heard stories from mutual friends. So you say nothing; you pretend she really is a stranger, and that's even more awkward, because she probably knows that you know, and you know that she knows that you know and, oh, the whole run-around makes it seem like you aren't paying attention or simply don't care. There is nothing more off-putting than feeling like someone cares so little about you that they can't even be bothered to acknowledge your semi-shared history. Even if it feels weird, say, "I loved those cupcake photos you tagged Sam in," or even just the plain, vanilla, "The new girlfriend! Hi, I've heard so many wonderful things about you." Compliments: the easiest way to make potentially awkward situations more comfortable for everyone. (credit:Thinkstock)
Mistake #4: Confusing Dominance And Confidence(04 of05)
Open Image ModalMistake #5: Introducing People In The Wrong Order(05 of05)
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