Whether you like to cook or not, we all seem to find ourselves hosting people for dinner. It may be as part of your corporate role or simply seeing friends. There are several things you can do to ensure your dinner party is a success.
Determine how many guests you will have
decide who will be attending to assist you plan catering and logistics.
Decide if you are going to cook or cater
there is nothing wrong with organising catering for your guests. If you lead a busy life this could be a great solution to allow you to spend time with your guests instead of preparing food.
Choose if it is going to formal or casual
this will affect your choice of menu, table setting and invitation style.
Choose a theme for your dinner party
Once you have established if it is formal or casual, decide if you want to have a common theme i.e. Asian flavour, bar-b-que, seafood or finger food.
If you are going to cook, plan your menu
Choose food that works with your theme. For example if you have chosen an Asian theme think about food types that your guests might enjoy.
Invite your guests
Choose an appropriate way to do this. If it is informal you might send an email or make a phone call. If it is a more formal occasion or a special event you might like to organise invitations that reflect your theme.
Purchase fresh ingredients
If you choose to cook, allow plenty of time to search the markets for your ingredients. Try specialty supermarkets for certain items i.e. Asian supermarkets, organic markets.
Have your house cleaned or your garden maintained
If you don’t have time, outsource this. You don’t want to be spending time on these activities if you would rather focus on the event.
Consider your schedule
If it is a weekend, spend the day preparing and take your time. If it is a weekday after work, plan the activities you can do during the week and before the event.
Set the table in advance
Select your linen, cutlery and table decorations. You can set the table up to 24 hours in advance. Take the pressure off yourself on the day.
Choose your serving dishes
Regardless of whether you cook or have it catered; ensure you have enough serving dishes and implements for each dish.
Check your linen supply
If choosing casual you can use disposal napkins however if you have chosen a more formal approach you may need to purchase or hire linen for the event. Make sure you have enough for all of your guests.
Buy flowers
Flowers add a lovely touch to your event and can be placed on the table, in the bathroom and around the home.
Choose candles and appropriate lighting
Candles create a relaxed mood and look effective when placed strategically around the home, at the front door and through the garden.
Be ready one hour before your guests arrive
Take time to get ready, shower and enjoy a drink before everyone arrives. This way you will look fresh, relaxed and able to enjoy the event.
When guests arrive introduce them to everyone.
The first few minutes at a dinner party can be awkward so ensure you help people to mix and provide informative introductions for each of your guests.
Know something about each of your guests
Be able to introduce them to others and share something interesting about each person.
Consider your seating plan
Be aware of different personalities, roles within an organisation and levels of friendships when you determine who sits where. If you are hosting your manager for dinner it is advisable they sit next to you.
Enjoy yourself
A dinner party can be a lot of work but is a very rewarding way to get to know people, have fun and also conduct business.
