Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Appetites®
Krystyna Pease

Appetites: 5 dinner party tips from 'The Dinner Party Download' hosts

The Dinner Party Download
Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam, hosts of The Dinner Party Download.
Courtesy American Public Media

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

What makes a great, modern dinner party?

Who better to ask than the hosts of "The Dinner Party Download," the arts and culture show you can hear each Saturday on MPR.

Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam, who are in town for a live event at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul this weekend, gave MPR News associate producer Kryssy Pease the scoop on what's essential for a good time over grub.

1) Don't stress about the food.

It's there mostly to facilitate conversation, which is the most important element of a dinner.

2) Have each person bring a bottle of wine.

That means if a couple is coming, that's two bottles. Having people leave to pick up more wine cuts into the flow of the party.

3) The best dinner parties are spontaneous.

If you run into a friend, invite him over and ask him to bring someone, too. This reduces a lot of the "host stress" because there's no big build-up to the event.

4) Clean up.

Sometimes throwing a dinner party is a good excuse to clean your place.

5) Dinner parties are better than brunches.

You only have two days in your weekend and a brunch can take away a whole day. The food is fatty and the drinks are boozy, so you'll leave wanting a long nap.