When the air is rich with the aroma of a freshly prepared meal and the soft clinking of glasses signals an evening of camaraderie, the last thing you want is for the conversation to veer into a monotonous discussion about work. According to dinner party enthusiast, Eleanor Morton, the secret to a lively gathering lies in creative conversation starters that steer clear of the professional sphere—or, if you must venture there, turn it into a playful guessing game.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Eleanor, a seasoned host known for her vibrant and engaging soirées, to glean some of her best tips for sparking conversation that delights and entertains. Her approach is both refreshing and practical, making it easy for anyone to replicate at their own events.
A Game of Guesses
Eleanor’s first piece of advice is straightforward: avoid the predictably dull question, “What do you do?” Instead, she suggests turning the topic of work into an amusing guessing game. Reflecting on a memorable gathering she hosted, Eleanor recounted, “When my husband and I moved into a new neighbourhood, we decided to throw a cocktail party to break the ice with our neighbours. We made a rule that no one could talk about their job. As the evening progressed, we invited everyone to guess what each person did for a living.”
This playful twist not only kept the conversation lively but also sparked laughter and creativity. “One neighbour guessed that my husband was some high-flying CEO because he always seemed so busy on the phone. In reality, he was just retaking videos for his YouTube channel,” Eleanor chuckled. Such moments allowed for genuine connections, free from the usual constraints of professional titles.
Nostalgia and Laughter
Another strategy Eleanor swears by is delving into the past with a touch of humour. “Ask about embarrassing fashion choices from their youth,” she suggested, a twinkle in her eye. “I often share how my teenage obsession with eyebrow plucking left me with barely-there brows until my mother threatened to shave them off in my sleep if I didn’t stop. It never fails to get a laugh.”
The beauty of reminiscing lies in its universal appeal; everyone has a cringe-worthy moment from their past, and sharing these stories often leads to a cascade of laughter and empathy that bridges the gap between strangers.
The Unexpected Joy of Games
When conversation starts to wane, Eleanor recommends bringing structure with a game like “Would you rather.” Initially met with raised eyebrows, it quickly becomes a hit. “I once asked, ‘Would you rather lose your sense of smell and taste or your sight?’ The debate that ensued was animated, particularly when one guest declared they’d give up their sense of colour just to keep drinking coffee,” Eleanor recounted with a laugh.
These games serve as an amusing way to explore personal preferences and quirks, often revealing unexpected facets of your guests’ personalities.
Sharing Outrageous Tales
For Eleanor, storytelling is an art form best practised with a dash of absurdity. She fondly recounted a tale from the COVID lockdowns, “I joined Bumble to find wine, not romance. With my husband’s blessing, I matched with someone who delivered a case of wine to our doorstep the next day!” This unexpected twist not only entertained her guests but also encouraged them to share their own unusual pandemic experiences.
Playful Queries for Quirky Conversations
When the energy dips, Eleanor suggests asking playful, offbeat questions. “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve Googled lately?” or starting a game of “For it or against it?” with topics like velvet or cold pizza can ignite spirited debates. These seemingly trivial topics often reveal strong opinions and lead to hilarious, unexpected avenues of discussion.
Crafting a Memorable Evening
Ultimately, Eleanor believes that the secret to a successful dinner party lies in breaking free from conventional conversation. By employing humour, games, and personal stories, she ensures that her gatherings are anything but ordinary. Her approach transforms a simple evening into a memorable occasion filled with laughter, connection, and perhaps even a few new stories to tell at the next gathering.
So, the next time you find yourself planning a dinner party, consider Eleanor Morton’s advice: steer clear of work talk, embrace the playful, and watch as your guests leave with smiles and stories that linger long after the evening ends.
Fabrice Fèvre
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