While dinner parties are synonymous with good food, fun and friends, the process of actually hosting can be pretty stressful – when organising a get-together in your own home, it can feel as though everything from your choice of food to the seating plan is under scrutiny.
Luckily, by taking the following steps, you should be able to throw a stress-free dinner party and even have your guests coming back for seconds:
Decide ‘when’ and ‘who’ – The key to a successful dinner party is thorough planning. Begin by deciding on the date and time that your party will be held – try to settle on an evening that will be convenient and don’t forget to invite your guests well in advance! When deciding on a guest list, choose a good mixture of personalities who are likely to enjoy each other’s company and get on well.
Perfect the menu – Preparing the food can be the most stressful element of all when throwing a dinner party, so ensure that you cook a dish that you’re comfortable with. While it’s always best to go with tried-and-tested favourites, don’t be afraid to try something new – just try to have a practice run beforehand and perfect the menu in advance. Make sure that you’re confident cooking the dish ahead of time to reduce potential stress, especially if you’ve chosen a complicated or unfamiliar recipe.
Serve plenty of drinks – Parties are the time to eat, drink and be merry, so ensure that your fridge is well-stocked and that none of your guests have an empty glass on the night. Think about the preferred beverages of your guests and buy a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that will suit everyone – this could be the perfect time to get out the old cocktail shaker.
Set the ambience – Whether you’re aiming for a cultured get-together, a meal with work colleagues or a boozy family celebration, ensure that you set the appropriate mood for your dinner party with lighting and music – you can even use your wireless bluetooth speaker to play a mix or playlist tailored for the occasion.
Prepare ahead – Ensure that you de-clutter and clean your home thoroughly in preparation for the big night; do a quick check of your kitchen to ensure that you have all of the equipment, utensils and ingredients necessary to prepare your dinner party meal; ensure that you have enough glasses, cutlery and (most importantly!) seating to accommodate all of your guests; on the big night, take some time to relax and prep the meal well ahead of time so that you can spend time with your friends; prepare some welcome drinks ready for the arrival of your guests, as well as some canapés or finger-food to get the night started!
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