How to Throw a Dinner Party
By
User:Kristenmollica @timeAndDate(1279637293)
Everyone loves a good dinner party, but no one likes a bad dinner party! Don't be remembered as the person who threw a terrible party with overcooked food, boxed wine, corny party games, and awkwardly long silences. The key to any good party is planning. And good food. And plenty of drinks. And inviting friends who all get along. Okay, maybe there are a few key elements but planning ahead is most important so you don't find yourself stressed out the night before.
The Basics
* Why are you throwing this party? Choosing a '''theme''' will set the tone. Are you celebrating the start of summer with a backyard BBQ? Or do you want to throw a formal get-together to celebrate a job promotion?
* '''Choose your guests wisely'''. Will your vegan friend get along with your coworker who likes to take monthly hunting trips? Of course you want diversity to keep conversation interesting, but heated debates will only equal stress and uncomfortable guests.
* For small dinner parties, 6-12 guests is plenty.
* Whether you're throwing a lavish party at a hall or having a few friends over for
cocktails, always let your guest know a few weeks in advance.
** For informal events, phone calls are fine. If the event is formal, or you just want to impress everyone, send out
invitations with all pertinent information on them.
** Also let them know how they should dress so no one feels uncomfortable.
Preparing Your Home
* You've chosen a theme, but now it's time to have your home reflect that look. Were you planning on serving Asian cuisine? If so,
lanterns are practically a necessity.
* No matter what your theme, fresh cut flowers and candles will '''add ambiance''' to your home. Always go with
unscented candles for two reasons: 1) Not everyone may enjoy the scents you like. 2) Smelling candle scents while you're eating is just not appetizing.
* '''Background music''' is always nice but don't let it disrupt conversation. Although you may enjoy
Taboo are great for large groups.
** You can also play simple games like Two Truths and a Lie or the Post-It games where you write down a famous person and stick it on the head of a guest. The guest then has to guess who he has.
* It goes without saying that you need to clean your home, but instead of waiting till the day of, do it a few days beforehand so you're not stressing that day.
Create a Menu
* Start planning your dinner menu about a week ahead of time. Decide how many courses you'd like, 3-4 are perfect.
* Stick with recipes that you're familiar with and ones that don't require you to be in the kitchen the entire night. Try to do as much preparation before the party as possible.
* Save yourself some stress and '''buy a dessert'''. No one will penalize you.
* If you're serving cheese ravioli for dinner, don't serve cheesecake for dessert.
* Check out
Wine.com to learn about pairing the right wine with your meal. Just remember to have non-alcoholic beverages as well.
The Big Day
* Finish any last minute cleaning or decorating.
* An hour beforehand, '''set the lighting'''strive for balance!
* Make sure the table is set and do as many cooking preparations as you can before guests arrive.
* '''Introduce guests''' to each other and highlight something they may have in common to get them talking.
* Don't be afraid to ask for some help in the kitchen. Guests want to feel needed.
* Keep everyone's wine glasses and plates full!
* Listen for cues that the party is wrapping up such as yawns and comments about the babysitter.
* '''Thank your guests''' for coming and prepare for a fun night of cleaning up!
Quick Picks
Related Guides
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Event Planning
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Wine
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Soups and Stocks
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Candles and Holders
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Dishes and Plates
