Artemov wrote:
How are the non-smokers and vegetarians viewed?
Just a matter of individual preference, I suppose!
I have to say in my experience there are 2 types of vegetarians.
1) Realize that they have made a life choice that puts them in the minority, and that they may be inconvenienced on occasion because of it.
2) Those that get furious when only 1 of the 3 entree choices at the party are vegetarian.
Do NOT be the 2nd kind. In my experience about 65% are the first (good) type, 30% the 2nd type, and 5% in the middle. It really is polarizing. And - by the way, the first (good) type does include people who simply make it known they are vegetarian in advance and that they would appreciate *reasonable* accommodation's. I think "reasonable" really is the key word. I don't expect everyone to be like a vegetarian friend of mine who simply "eats around the meat" but doesn't mind how it is prepared.
I realize that this isn't technically vegetarian, and wouldn't match well with religious vegetarian beliefs.
Just try to keep in mind that it can be stressful to us non-veggie event planner/friends as we search frantically for a good option for our veggie friends. After all - our planning a vegetarian choice is like a vegetarian planning a steak dinner. Academically we *understand* what it is, but we don't have a good sense of it in reality!
edit:One rule that applies to EVERYONE, but - as unfair as it may be -
doubly to anyone with "special requests" on food like vegetarian, etc. is this: HONOR YOUR RSVP. Few things are more annoying than preparing a special dish for someone and having them not show. For the special requests it is much more obvious!