Dear Miles,
The modern-day dinner party is a minefield of potentialmisunderstandings, hurt feelings, and downright hostility--and that'sbefore you even start talking politics. Here are a few tips to get youoff to a good start: If you decide to throw a party, the invitationshould include a request that guests notify you about their foodallergies or dietary restrictions.
Further, as the host, it's your dutyto meet those needs--within reason. If your boss's partner is lactoseintolerant and you were planning to serve macaroni and cheese followedby cheesecake, tough: You must change the menu. If your brother's newgirlfriend is a vegetarian and you want to grill steaks, make her analternative entree. Likewise, if you're invited to a party, you shouldimmediately let the hosts know about any dietary restriction, even ifthey don't ask. Which requests may hosts politely ignore?
Those thatinvolve what I call short-term elective dietary restrictions, such as atemporary no-carb regimen, a cleanse, or a fad diet.