Dear Annie: My husband and I host a good deal of parties and dinners throughout the year with a mix of family and friends.
Some of our guests have different dietary lifestyles or concerns; we have a few guests who are vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten free.
When planning what we will serve. I am concerned to make sure we have enough offerings for the various dietary preferences. My husband seems to think we should plan our menu around what we like or what the majority prefers, and the guests with the dietary restrictions should know enough to arrive with their own food.
Your word will be the final say for how we plan our menus going forward. — What’s a Party Menu If Your Guests Can’t Eat Anything You Serve
Dear What’s a Party Menu: When inviting someone over for a meal, it’s thoughtful to ask if they have any allergies, restrictions or preferences. That doesn’t mean creating a five-course meal to fit every preference, but it does mean being considerate enough to include a few dishes that accommodate your guests’ needs. These days, it’s pretty easy to find tasty recipes to accommodate various diets.
If someone’s limitations feel too difficult to accommodate at home, consider asking them to share a favorite recipe or meet at a restaurant where they feel comfortable.
Your husband’s “majority rules” mindset might make hosting simpler, but hospitality isn’t just about serving food; it’s about making people feel welcome.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
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