[header] How to host a dinner party with guests holding opposing political views [title] Know where your guests stand on political issues. [step] Before you formulate your guest list know where each guest stands on politics and whether political issues are a hot topic. [substeps] Identify which side of the aisle each guest falls. 
You don't have to ask them point blank, but recall the last political comment that was made by each guest. This may also be a good time to consider whether your guest gets hotheaded when discussing politics, doesn't really have an opinion or seems to be able to gracefully discuss politics with just about anyone.