dinner-parties
Formal evening gatherings
Dinner-parties is the plural of dinner party—a social gathering where guests are invited to someone's home for an evening meal.
The term suggests a somewhat formal occasion with planned seating, multiple courses, and conversation as entertainment: They threw elaborate dinner-parties for visiting academics.
The hyphenated form is less common than the two-word spelling.
Receiving guests socially
- guestsPeople received hospitably
- invitationsRequests to attend
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- warmthHeat you feel
generosity · graciousness · accommodating · mingling · introductions · RSVPs · plus-ones · coats
Festive event marking occasion
- reunionGathering after separation
- anniversaryRecurring memorial date
- birthdayAnnual date of origin
- holidayDay of rest
housewarming · engagement · farewell · graduation · promotion · retirement · thanksgiving · potluck
Academic subjects or meal stages
- appetizersPre-meal small dishes
- entreesPrincipal meal courses
- dessertsFinal meal courses
- hors-d'oeuvresSmall appetizers served before meals
canapés · gourmet · plating · gastronomy · flavors · palate · chef · culinary
Playful, teasing exchange
- small-talkLight, casual conversation
- anecdotesBrief amusing accounts
- chatterLight, rapid speech
- topicsSubjects of discussion
wit · humor · storytelling · gossip · icebreakers · exchanges · opinions · remarks
Organized competitive activities
- charadesWordless guessing game
- triviaUnimportant miscellaneous facts
- musicOrganized auditory art
- dancingRhythmic bodily motion
laughter · karaoke · parlor-games · cards · pianist · playlist · icebreakers · toasts
Decorative dining arrangement
- centerpieceDecorative table focal point
- candelabraMulti-branched candle stand
- silverwareMetal eating utensils
- crystalOrdered-atom solid
china · linens · floristry · chandelier · champagne · sommelier · etiquette · calligraphy
hosting
Receiving guests socially
- guestsPeople received hospitably
- invitationsRequests to attend
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
warmth · generosity · graciousness · accommodating · mingling · introductions · RSVPs · plus-ones · coats · arrivals
celebration
Festive event marking occasion
- reunionGathering after separation
- anniversaryRecurring memorial date
- birthdayAnnual date of origin
holiday · housewarming · engagement · farewell · graduation · promotion · retirement · thanksgiving · potluck · soiree
courses
Academic subjects or meal stages
- appetizersPre-meal small dishes
- entreesPrincipal meal courses
- dessertsFinal meal courses
hors-d'oeuvres · canapés · gourmet · plating · gastronomy · flavors · palate · chef · culinary · recipe
banter
Playful, teasing exchange
- small-talkLight, casual conversation
- anecdotesBrief amusing accounts
- chatterLight, rapid speech
topics · wit · humor · storytelling · gossip · icebreakers · exchanges · opinions · remarks · debate
games
Organized competitive activities
dancing · laughter · karaoke · parlor-games · cards · pianist · playlist · icebreakers · toasts · speeches
tablescape
Decorative dining arrangement
- centerpieceDecorative table focal point
- candelabraMulti-branched candle stand
- silverwareMetal eating utensils
crystal · china · linens · floristry · chandelier · champagne · sommelier · etiquette · calligraphy · candlelight