Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I’m fine either way. Just dinner is fine.
Same but we were also invited to dinner once that was like from The Office “the osso bucco just has to braise for 4 hours” “4 hours from now or 4 hours from like 3 o’clock?”
It obviously wasn’t exactly like that but they hadn’t even started on *anything* and then everyone could hear them arguing over whether or not the fish was done. It was AWFUL. The “nibbles” were long gone at that point.
Then after dinner the hostess offered coffee and DH said yes - I could have killed him right there!!!!!!! That took forever also
Anonymous wrote:
OP here. A small nibble is fine but the big platters of cheese don't make sense to me. It's a lot of rich food and before a full meal so by the time the meal comes many people have filled up on cheese.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
With some friends but not others, OP. My closest American friends are non-appetizer people because they're healthy eaters and don't want to waste calories on the usual appetizer fare.
However, I have other friends, from my home country, who culturally can't invite people over without an appetizer. Usually it's very small portions, but it's to make the point that we're having a dinner party and that it's not just an every day dinner. Last time it was smoked salmon on little pieces of puffed pastry for one friend, and my other friend just really likes artisan saucisson.
So... know your audience?
Me again. I just realized that it's because none of us drink alcohol on a regular basis. So we just talk, then have dinner. And for my compatriots, we eat appetizers while drinking non-alcoholic drinks with one family, and alcohol with the other. If drinks are served before the meal, then of course it does seem strange to not serve anything with them.
For the PP who wondered where appetizers are not served regularly, Asian countries? I have never been served drinks and appetizers in Japan before a meal.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don’t expect snacks and appetizers- but I do always provide them. My husband says I’m “extra”, but friends seem to think I’m a good hostess.
It is a sad sign of the times when setting out basic appetizers before a dinner “party” is considered being “extra.”
Anonymous wrote:I don’t expect snacks and appetizers- but I do always provide them. My husband says I’m “extra”, but friends seem to think I’m a good hostess.
Anonymous wrote:
Settle this debate for me. My sister and I live close to each other and often have a similar group of people over for dinner. She always serves a platter of cheese and crackers before the main meal (generally something like pork tenderloin with vegetables). My vote is to skip the appetizer so people are more hungry and can really enjoy the main meal. My sister says people will be starving and expect a nibble.
Thoughts?