The new dinner party etiquette rules after lockdown

In the BC (before COVID-19) era, the most stressful thing about hosting a dinner was remembering who was vegan and who was gluten-free that week. Things have become slightly more complicated now.

As the states ready themselves for an easing of social restrictions – from June 1, residents in Victoria will be able to host up to 20 people in their homes, while New South Wales will remain at five – many are wondering what the new dinner party etiquette rules will look like.

Will invitations request BYO sanitiser? Is it after-dinner masks instead of mints or a seating arrangement that looks more like divorce proceedings?

It will definitely be a juggling act, says Alice Moore, a Sydney-based public relations expert and event manager, but she's excited at the prospect of being able to socialise again: “I've already made plans to host dinner for friends this weekend.”

Ensuring her guests feel safe while still being able to enjoy themselves will be tantamount to a successful dinner. “I’ll certainly be increasing the amount of times I use hand sanitiser or wash my hands while I host,” says Moore.

It's the small things that will be the hardest habits to break, says Moore. For example, the traditional cheers will need to be done from a distance. No more clinking of the glasses. Share food of any kind is also off the menu. Though she’s not keen on using disposable plates or cutlery.

“We still care about the planet! I will use my own plates and cutlery, but then it goes in the dishwasher on long super-cycles to make sure everything is really clean. It's the same for the house – making sure everything is very clean and wiped down prior to everyone arriving and then again after they leave.”

It’s not just the hosts who are under duress to create a clean, safe, yet fun environment.

Mary-Louise McLaws, a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of New South Wales, says both hosts and guests need to avoid getting complacent in their behaviours. Especially now that restrictions are easing.

“My biggest fear is that the authorities have made a decision that we will live with the epidemic and while the economy is being opened spikes in case numbers will occur until, or if, we get a vaccine,” says McLaws.

“A greeting with hand hygiene sanitiser could be the new norm including spacing out of your guests at the dining table or outside. No more gathering around the kitchen bench to chat while the hosts cook.”

It’s understandable that some guests might feel uneasy at getting back into the social habit and would rather not partake at all. This, mindfulness expert Luke McLeod says is nothing to feel bad about. Just be honest with your host about your reasons.

“I would say try and listen to what your gut is telling you,” says McLeod. “It's natural to feel cautious, but try to not let fear override your emotions. Be practical and confident with your reply and always aim to be as honest as possible.”

Moore admits that she too has her worries that, as people get excited to socialise again, the risk of a second outbreak will increase. “I don’t want to be ground zero for a new cluster!” she says.

“I’m going to be keeping a close eye on the case studies over the coming weeks. It really is a waiting game now, watching how Australia reacts and behaves to the new conditions.”