Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Anyone ever throw a party while renting a villa?

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Anyone ever throw a party while renting a villa?

We are going to rent a villa in Italy and since I just saw the movie "Stealing Beauty" I want to throw a party and invite local people (on a smaller scale of course). Has anyone ever done this or is it just not a good idea?

I would simply ask the landlord if there is any objection. Even though you are probably renting from (through) an agency, I have always had the opportunity to meet the owner directly upon arrival - - and sometimes throughout the course of the stay. Especially if you held it all outdoors - - by the pool, on the veranda or "cooking out" - - it sounds like a pretty good idea to me. How long are you staying there? How do you envision getting to know local people adequately? Maybe make the acquaintance of the priest or others in the church as soon as you get there? Best wishes, Rex [email protected]

to the top, for "nocinonut".

Thanks Rex, you have some good ideas, we are fairly outgoing people so we do tend to meet alot of people. I am just not sure if it is culturally accepted to throw a party for relative strangers. I think it would be fun though, anyone else have any ideas?

We have rented a chalet out from Interlaken (actually Niederried) on three different occasions. The owners are a young Swiss couple that we met at a party several years ago. We have hosted a "Tex-Mex" food party each time. My wife would take ingredients that we could not purchase in Europe (Cheddar cheese, for example). We have invited our hosts as well as other Swiss we have met on our previous trips to that area. Notably, a chef and his frau who operate a small hotel. We had stayed with them on several occasions and had made friends with them and their children. My wife had misgivings about cooking for a trained professional--but Keith said, "Nobody ever invites the chef to dinner"! Our parties have been a highlight for us. I'm sure we could have included many more locals (farmers, goatherds, store owners, paraglide instructors, hikers, etc.). But our carry-space can accomodate only so much! So, go for it. It can only be much better in Italy. Your problem may be in limiting the number of party-goers. Have fun. The sky's the limit! Regards, Jinx Hoover

What fun, Jinx. This is what I was anticipating, a fun evening where we could learn each other's cultures. We live in Los Angeles, so we could throw a Cal-Mex dinner! I think this is a good idea, thanks again.

I hate to throw a negative light on this, but what if the neighbors hated this villa owner for renting to a bunch of "foreigners" and disrupting the tranquility of their neighborhood. They could come to the party with great hostility or even trash the place. And why would you do this? Do you routinely invite strangers from your own hometown to come to your house and party?

EdnaB, What a wet-blanket! We had a party, not a drunken orgy. We enjoyed each other's company and different foods. A great opportunity to get to know each other better and to share experiences. The nearest neighbors were a kilometre away and probably would have enjoyed an invite. The cowbells and goat-calls were more boisterous than sounds from our party. Lighten up and enjoy life. Regards, Jinx Hoover

I will not make an ad hominem criticism of the post questioning this party. But I will make a very "pro-party" statement. A party might make the most sense for occupants of a villa for two or three weeks or more. And yes, of course, people invite neighbors to "block parties" and other community celebrations, for no reason other than fellowship. I hope this works out for you, nocinonut, or anyone else who would aspire to do something like this.

I invite people I don't know very well to open parties, IF I feel a comraderie with them. I think this is a good idea and if the neighbors complain do like I do, invite them. I am sure you, nocinonut, are adult and mature enough to not let things get out of hand and have a nice gathering.