Comments on: Dealing with Negative Dinner Party Guests

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:26:55 +0000

In reply to Shari Kelley. Shari, if you go to my "conversations" category you will see all kinds of posts on conversation (here on RE). :)

By: Shari Kelley

Shari Kelley — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:23:01 +0000

I love your quote above about great people discussing ideas. I struggle with knowing what to talk about with people after you cover what they’ve been doing since you’ve seen them last. I also like the fact that you think ahead about promoting good conversation. Do you have any tips on things (ideas) to talk about that spark good conversation?

By: 4 Tips to Hosting an Autumn Dinner Party | reluctantentertainer.com Reluctant Entertainer I Sandy Coughlin - Lifestyle, Entertaining, Food, Recipes, Hospitality and Gardening

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 10:00:47 +0000

[…] Dinner parties have a life of their own, and like fingerprints, no two are exactly alike. The secret for me is to think about the people who are coming, and gear up for great conversation and encouragement. Of course, if your family is stressed and it’s a busy season for you, too, think hard about who you’ll be inviting. Possibly you read my post on how to deal with negative people at a dinner party? […]

By: Melissa D

Melissa D — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:34:12 +0000

I think it can help to give negative guests a script ahead of time, like “Mary, you’ll love Jane. She loves thrifting and makeovers as much as you do! I know you’ll have lots to talk about…” or something similar. Get them going (if possible) on a positive topic, with one or more of your other guests.

And sometimes good people are just going through hard times, or through a weird tunnel of life where it’s hard for them to see the big picture. It can help to chat them up beforehand and try to give them room to let off steam, or to ask them what they need or if you can pray for them; sometimes that’s enough to let them feel taken care of. Then there’s room in their heads for more positive topics.

As far as super negative folks go (racist, raging, etc) — if they’re family, you may have to keep in contact… but keep it infrequent or in as controlled a situation as possible!

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:46:15 +0000

In reply to Angie | Big Bear's Wife. Working toward peace and love and understanding is good and a mature way to handle people, Angie. Proud of you, girl! Wish I could come to one of your dinner parties!

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:45:27 +0000

In reply to Barbara. Thanks, Barbara. It's not always easy being real and authentic here, but if it helps others, I want to be. Poison is the best way to describe it. Thank you!

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:44:38 +0000

In reply to JulieD. I think there is, Julie, and being prepared, as Dee explained, is a great way! :)

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:44:05 +0000

In reply to Dee Parker. Being prepared with "positive" comments is an excellent idea, Dee! Thanks for sharing!

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:43:27 +0000

In reply to Carol Ann. Ooooh, that does not sound like fun. Thanks for being honest and real here, and I hope your comment helps others reading this post, Carol Ann! :)

By: Sandy Coughlin

Sandy Coughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:42:33 +0000

In reply to Cheri. Cheri, it's really okay to do. Thanks for being honest, and I hope your comment helps others! :)