When you choose to make the decision to throw a dinner party, you’re essentially saying that you want to be the hostess with the mostess, right? Dinner parties with friends and colleagues give you a chance to chat and relax over delicious wines and foods. You’ve got the element of soft music playing, great conversation and the company to go with it.
There is a lot that goes into planning your first dinner party, and it can be really easy to want to be a guest at your own dinner party rather than the host of it, though. You are a part of the evening with the guests, so you have to make it a memorable event for yourself, too. Below, we’ve put together six essentials that will make your dinner party a memorable and exciting evening for all.
Food Options
You already know your friends, so ideally you know if there are any allergies or dietary issues to consider. You want your friends to enjoy the food, and you want your vegan bestie to be able to have a meal that is more than just salad leaves. You don’t have to make up an entire restaurant menu, but you do need to consider the options so that no one goes hungry. Take your time to pore over recipe books and online menus, but don’t overthink it: you want everyone to enjoy something while keeping it simple.
Wine O’Clock
While you’re thinking about food, think drinks! You can ask all your guests to bring a bottle, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll remember. Think about a little shop at wineonsale.com before your party so that you have a range of options available for your guests. The wine should complement the meat or vegetarian dish, and you should remember to cater for those who don’t drink, too. If your guests bring a bottle, try and serve it with your dish or as an after dinner soother – you’ll be polite to use the wine they’ve brought with them; it’s just good manners!
Don’t Scramble
Everything should be prepared and ready for when the first guest arrives. So, when you have set the time for 7 pm, be prepared to serve at that time. Drinks should be on ice an hour beforehand, and your desserts should be prepared to serve early in the day unless they need to be hot. Heat the dishes in the oven an hour or so before service, too, so that your guests aren’t eating off of cold plates.
Keep Conversation Going
Conversation continuers aren’t always easy if you’re hosting a dinner where people don’t know each other. So, keep the conversation steered on safe waters and away from things like politics! It’s your duty as the host to note when discussions are getting heated, and the best thing that you can do is to make sure your guests stay happy and calm, rather than frustrated and arguing in the middle of the evening.
Make Sure You Relax, Too
Your guests are there to enjoy the food and drinks that you’ve prepared, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it, too. You’re the host, and you’ll be ensuring that everyone has a drink in their hand and is okay for their portions of food. However, you still need to drink, eat, and relax, too. Get involved in the conversations and make sure that you unwind and connect with friends as you planned to do. Dinner parties are the best place to enjoy time with friends, which is why all the preparation that you’ve done all this time is crucial.
Remember The Music
Music sets the mood for the evening, and when you choose the selection, keep it to the theme of the evening. So, if you’re serving up Spanish food, go with soft Spanish music to complement it. When the evening winds into coffees and after-dinner chocolates, change the music selection to fit the musical tastes of those at the party. A good playlist will make everyone feel welcome and happy to be there. You should also consider that it has to work as a backdrop to conversation, so gangster rap is probably out this time.
Your dinner party needs to include favors if possible, with individual table names and a centerpiece. These centerpiece ideas are great for any dinner party, and you have the chance to really impress your friends and network. With these tips, you can throw the perfect dinner party, and it will be one that everyone will remember.
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