Garden supper this evening. Would it be reasonable to suggest that guests might leave the table for the football?

[LemonRoses]

We have a ten people arriving for supper this evening. We plan to eat on the terrace, with a 7pm start to catch the last of any sunshine. Clearly if they arrive at 7.15, have drinks and warm spiced nuts/olives then sit down to a starter of crab, we’re not going to be serving the entree until well past 8pm.

I don’t know two of the couples. My guess would be that three, maybe four, of the men would want to see the match. I don’t think most of the women would be particularly interested.

My problem is I wasn’t aware there was a football match this evening and I rather suspect some guests will want to see it.

Do we;

• open the doors so people can pop in and out?
• suggest those that wish cut their food at table and then eat of their knees with a fork whilst watching the television?
• suggest we watch together later?
• not mention to football and hope nobody else does?
• arrange regular update messages from someone who is watching?

If a match is at 8pm, what time will it finish? Should we defer eating until after the match but add in more substantial canapés?

Oh op I’ve missed you! This is a great thread 🍒

Unless the OP is American where I think they cut some food up, then put the knife down, then swap the fork to their right hand to eat the cut up food.

@VerticalHorizon

Can we at least observe the Nation Anthem before dinner is served?

A little decorum goes a long way!

Excellent suggestion. I do hope the OP takes it on board. Proprieties must be observed.

@Planesmistakenforstars

How is that comment funny? It's wrong. And entree is the main course, not the starter. The OP used the words correctly.

The entree is synonymous with the starter, hors d'oeuvre, appetizer. It's not the main course anywhere except the US and Canada.

We're in France, and entrée (which is a French word of course) is indeed a starter.

You never know you might get lucky if they are not fussed about footy.

I don't think it's THAT sort of party!

Offer to move house. Or whatever you need to do to accommodate these esteemed guests. Crab/nut delivery to their houses and you are allowed to look through the window. How ridiculous that you should be squirming around trying to accommodate adults like this just so that they can watch TV during dinner.

@VerticalHorizon

You never know you might get lucky if they are not fussed about footy.

I don't think it's THAT sort of party!

😂

@Ostryga

Oh op I’ve missed you! This is a great thread 🍒

I feel I’ve been missing out on some gems so I’m going to search. Any particular you recommend @Ostryga?

Whilst I’m searching can someone have a think about drinks? We seem to have neglected that somewhat during the starter/ main course debate.

Do you want the laideeees to have different drinks to the chaps op? I’m thinking pimms as it’s also Wimbledon season.

I would probably start it earlier if possible and then you could just serve pudding in front of the telly for the football those that didn't want to watch football could mingle outside with pudding

I always thought it was the American way to call it the main. French it’s still the starter.

Nope that's hors d'oeuvres.

Why not just have one of your candlelight suppers, Hyacinth?

Horses' doofers.

Proper posh.

@Uniontea

They’re using it in the American sense while trying to sound very U.

I find the American use of entree very confusing in general. I agree that it is very non U.

I would have the tv on for those who want to watch it and then you can have conversation for everyone else. Will the be football fans though? I’d have thought more rugby.

[quote Fiddliestofsticks]@ClosdesMouches

How is that comment funny? It's wrong. And entree is the main course, not the starter. The OP used the words correctly. Planesmistakenforstars did not.[/quote]
Only for Americans.

VerticalHorizon
Can we at least observe the Nation Anthem before dinner is served?

A little decorum goes a long way!
Excellent suggestion. I do hope the OP takes it on board. Proprieties must be observed‘

Will that be the English or US anthem?

@JustJustWhy

Why not just have one of your candlelight suppers, Hyacinth?

Will there be gammon and Cumberland sauce? Or is that just at Christmas?

@RealhousewifeofStoke. Oh right, arctic roll will do but I was hoping for jam roly poly with custard or something similarly fancy.

Is a terrace the same as a patio btw??

@RealhousewifeofStoke

VerticalHorizon Can we at least observe the Nation Anthem before dinner is served?

A little decorum goes a long way!
Excellent suggestion. I do hope the OP takes it on board. Proprieties must be observed‘

Will that be the English or US anthem?

Giving you a rocket red glare for that!

The entree is synonymous with the starter, hors d'oeuvre, appetizer. It's not the main course anywhere except the US and Canada.
We're in France, and entrée (which is a French word of course) is indeed a starter.

^^
This is why I asked if OP was American, and also it would tie in with no interest in football.

I was genuinely confused when I went to USA the first time, although the size of the portions was a bit of a give away!

The evening does sound really nice though!

Are you in England? Because if so, you can't invite people inside (rule of 6 and all that ). Can the TV be moved to the garden? Or could one set up a projector?

The first time I ate at a restaurant in the states I thought there were pages of the menu missing as a I couldn't find the main courses - it finished at entrées.

@VerticalHorizon

You never know you might get lucky if they are not fussed about footy.

I don't think it's THAT sort of party!

If it is, this'll be the OP.....

[quote Wishimaywishimight]@RealhousewifeofStoke. Oh right, arctic roll will do but I was hoping for jam roly poly with custard or something similarly fancy.

Is a terrace the same as a patio btw??[/quote]
Yeah but with less weeds and the dog shit all lifted.

@MotherofTerriers

I think you could do starter and main before the match starts then pudding at half time

This ^^. Just ask everyone if they want to watch the football. If the answer is no stick to your original plans. If yes, start earlier.

Where do you live where it isn't raining?

although not as confusing as the Italian “primo piatti” not being starts but the first of two main courses (usually pasta) if you were having a four course meal!