Is it rude to ask who else is coming?

Is it bad form to ask a host who else is coming to dinner?

In typical fashion, the person in question offends his host with the question, particularly if he posed it before agreeing to attend the party. That kind off makes it clear he doesn't really wants to be there or does he?

We agree that asking the question before accepting an invitation is not polite and gives the impression that you need to be convinced the party is worth your time.

But what about after you've accepted? If you're simply curious and it comes up in conversation, is that still a breach of good manners? In our opinion, not really.

Dinner parties are always pretty informal, and we in that matter wouldn't be offended if the question came up. Plus, with so many invitations going out via e-mail and social-media these days, we often have a good idea of who's coming without even asking.

What do you think? Is it OK to ask under the right circumstances? Or best to just show up happy and hungry?

Let us know what you think!