Professional Party Planners Share Their Secrets For Handling Obnoxious Guests

Caterers have seen it all — and they have wise ideas to help you get things under control.

Maybe it’s a relative who spews icky political b.s. every year. Perhaps it’s your cousin’s new boyfriend, who’s hitting the booze a bit too hard. Or possibly a previously mild-mannered pal has gotten uncharacteristically riled up and started a fight with — wait, is that grandma?

Family gatherings can be tense. Holidays can increase that anxiety. So when everyone starts to wig out before you’ve even had time to slice the pie, what are you supposed to do?

To get the best possible expert advice, we talked to professional caterers, the people who are there for some of the most important — and fraught — occasions of your life. They shared wise ideas, from the practical to the philosophical, to help you keep things under control this year.

Let everyone know what to expect.

If you’re hosting, it’s your responsibility to help the event be enjoyable for all involved. Let people know well in advance what they can expect, said chef Becky Geisel of Bex Kitchen & Catering. “Just like with a catered event, setting expectations with your guests beforehand is essential,” she said. “A little pre-event communication goes a long way in preventing unwanted surprises or unrealistic expectations.”