As we enter the second half of the year, life becomes more social.
Think about it, it is summer now so we are hosting BBQ’s and going on vacations then school starts and we embark on the holiday season.
Whether you are planning a summertime dinner party or preparing for a Thanksgiving feast, there are a few tips that will make you the hostess with the mostest!
A few weeks ago I discussed outdoor dining and a few essentials to keep on hand for al fresco dinner parties.
This week we are talking about general tips to ensure that the party/event your hosting goes smoothly.
Below are 8 tips to help you to host an amazing dinner party.
Tip 1: Plan
First things first create a plan of action. Determine who is coming, a theme (if applicable), a date/time.
Then you want to think about your menu, what foods and drinks will align with any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests.
Think of some of your favorite recipe or find a simple recipes in a cookbook or online.
You can’t wrong with serving your three main dishes plus a salad – an appetize (or two), a salad, main course (bread is a MUST) and dessert.
You can also opt for more potluck style event and have each guest bring a dish or drink.
Tip 2: Make Lists
The biggest key to a successful event is organization. Jot down a few lists to keep things in order.
As simple as it sounds make an event list writing out who all is coming, the date/time and theme. You are thinking of so many details and the last thing you want is to forget someone or worse yet forget the time or date of the event.
Make a shopping list for any décor such as dinnerware/flatware, cutlery, drinking glasses, serving platters, and decorations.
Also, in your list of planning think about creating a mood using flowers or plants, candles, and music.
Tip 3: Shop
One week ahead of your event you want to go shopping for all of your décor, food, and vibe makers (I made that up *wink).
Shopping a week ahead of time allows you the opportunity to think of what you’ll early and make adjustments if necessary.
The only thing I would recommend waiting to purchase until the day of the event would be flowers. The whole idea is to have a fresh natural element so you don’t want to take a chance or flowers wilting the day of your event.
Pro Tip: Flowers and plants are a great natural element but you can incorporate fresh fruits or veggies as décor. Depending on how you use them they be salvageable to eat or use in a drink.
Tip 4: Set The Table Ahead of Time
Please please set your table ahead of time meaning a week before or a couple of days ahead.
The reason this is so helpful is it allows you to see what all you have and if you need to pick up additional items for your table.
I don’t know about you but it always take me longer to do anything than I plan, especially setting a table.
Plus the day of you’ll be busy prepping food, drinks, and getting ready it is nice to have that checked off of your list.
Tip 5: Prep Any Food or Drinks Ahead of Time
The day of your event there will be plenty of things for you to work on so do yourself a huge favor and make anything that can be made ahead.
For example soups, pasta, and stews usually taste a little better the next day so these are great items to prepare one or two days ahead.
I don’t recommend prepping any salads or fried items ahead of time as salad can get soggy/wilt and fried foods never reheat as well as when they’re fresh.
Tip 6: Create An Ambiance
The day of your event you want to create a vibe before your guests even walk in the door.
Turn on a fun playlist that coordinates with the audience or theme of the night.
Light candles to create some ambient lighting. Be careful of having any strong scents near the food as that could ruin the vibe. Little or no scents in the kitchen.
You can sprinkle scented candles in your powder bathroom and living room so that the smells don’t compete with the food.
Pro Tip: If you’re as extra as I am, you can even opt to create a menu (try Canva!) and print them to have at every chair. You can also order name cards if you really want your guests to feel special.
Tip 7: Activities
I know what you’re thinking, dinner is the activity! However, depending on the reason for your dinner there may be a theme such as holiday hosting, book club (which I’m hosting in a couple of weeks), or game night.
It is always fun to have some questions that your guests can ask one another or games to play in between noshing.
8. Relax & Enjoy
Finally, relax and have fun with the people you love over a delicious meal. While it is fun to prepare and get things ready for an event the most important thing is to enjoy in the company of family or friends.
The day of if anything doesn’t go as planned it is okay you can improvise, you will get through it and everything will be great!
Happy Hosting!
-F