People who love to entertain but don't have the space to do so at home often take their love of hosting to nearby restaurants. While much of the work on the day of the party is likely to be performed by restaurant staff, hosting a gathering at a local establishment has its challenges, particularly in regard to planning.
It's easy to focus solely on the cost of hosting a restaurant party, as that's likely to be the foremost consideration for hosts. And it's wise for hosts to develop a budget for their parties while also considering other ways to make their get-togethers successful.
On-site expenses
When shopping restaurants and other venues, ask the establishment managers to give a thorough rundown of proposed expenses. Get all estimates in writing so they can be easily compared. The financial management resource The Balance says that common venue expenses can include room rental, food and beverages, security deposit, insurance needs, valet parking, taxes/gratuities, and other add-ons. These add-ons can include plating fees for cakes made off-premises or corkage fees for host-supplied wine.
Explore entertainment
Mingling and conversation are part of restaurant parties, but hosts can facilitate even more guest interaction by planning entertainment for the party. Discuss with the venue whether hired musicians or other entertainers are permissible. Something as low-key as a table-side sleight-of-hand magician or a tarot card reader who can offer psychic intrigue may be fun.
Personalize the menu and space
Decorate the venue within reason, and abide by the rules of the house. Decorations may include festive balloons, ribbons or chair covers or colorful flowers or centerpieces, and take-aways for guests.
Discover if you can work with the chef to curate a special menu. This helps the kitchen staff immensely because they'll only have a set number of dishes to prepare rather than having to make foods off the larger menu all at once, says the food, home and wellness site MyDomaine. Family-style appetizers also are effective. Print out custom menus with the event title on top, or ask if the restaurant can make them.
Decide on bar service
Alcoholic refreshments can quickly consume a budget, so frugal hosts might need to reign in expenses in the this department. Wine and spirits can be expensive if they're not included in the restaurants price-fixed party package. It's perfectly acceptable to offer some carafes of wine or pitchers of beer on the table and ask guests to pay for their own specialized drinks.
If you do not opt for a full open bars, ask the wait staff explain to guests what is and isn't included before they order.
Make parking accessible
Selecting a venue with on-site parking or valet service can make things more convenient for guests.
A few simple strategies can help hosts the navigate the process of hosting parties at restaurants
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 10/13/2019