Large? Get In Charge....

Everyone likes large parties in restaurants.  Its usually a good chance for the house and the server to make better than average dough, and who doesn't love getting together with ten to sixteen people you hardly know around six or seven-thirty?

You can probably see what I'm getting at already.  Large parties are usually unorganized; the guests are rarely on the same page making it difficult for the restaurant staff to accommodate the party and truthfully, the guest can suffer despite still spending good money.  We had a party of twelve to fourteen wander in for dinner Saturday in groups over the course of an hour ordering three different sets of appetizers, thus throwing off the timing of their whole meal and taking up four tables for the better part of an entire Saturday night.  Its a good thing the eight-thirty party of thirteen didn't bother to show up.  If you want to enjoy your restaurant experience with a large group of friends or family, just take a few extra measures and the night can really go quite smoothly.

-Get together and confirm the number of guests.  Even if your Aunt Minne and Uncle Will get lost and go home at the last minute, call the restaurant and report any changes so they can properly adjust the table.  If you add people to the party then you will definitely need more room and it can be surprisingly uncomfortable for ten people to sit at a table for twenty.
-Try to get everyone on the same page with the order.  Its best to share some appetizers between a lot of people so why not take charge and pick a few things you think everyone might like?  If the waiter suggests some items that were meant to share, go with it.  Remember, whenever a waiter suggests something its because it has worked or guests have liked it in the past.  Also, try to decide on  your entrees before the appetizers come out so the server can get the fifteen menus out of the way.
-Everybody bring cash.  When the bill arrives, the gratuity will most likely be added to parties of eight or more, so paying can be as easy as breaking it down to a per-person cost.

Like I'd mentioned, you will be paying for dinner whether you are with one other person or twenty so why not take a few steps to ensure your money is well spent and you enjoy your evening?  And remember,when dining with a large group, 20% is definitely always accepted.