Planning a dinner party can be an exciting, rewarding, and exhausting experience. Everyone wants the event to go perfectly, and while realistically it almost never goes according to plan, there are ways for you to set yourself up for success even with minor pitfalls in the ways. The key to any great dinner party is quality organization and a friend to help out.
We’ve put together our favorite tips to help you plan, execute, and have an excellent dinner party for a few or many!
How to plan a successful dinner party
Tip #1: Plan Your Menu Thoroughly & Carefully – A thorough and well-thought plan is a plan that works. Consider when building your menu who you are entertaining, whether allergies need to be accommodated, what time the dinner it is taking place, the seasonal vegetables available, and the ambiance and overall mood of the dinner.
Tip #2: Don’t Cook Anything You Haven’t Before – Cook the recipes you are most confident in. If you’re unsure, try making the recipes you’d like to include at least a week before the party. It will help you build muscle memory and fix any mistakes before the big day arrives.
Tip #3: Prepare Some Dishes Ahead of Time – Figure out which dishes you can freeze or wrap up and store in the fridge. Desserts are usually a good option for this, some vegetable recipes, etc. When you plan your menu (Tip #1), make sure to include a few of these to relieve stress on the day of.
Tip #4: Create a Timeline to Keep You on Track – Decide what time dinner will be set then work backward. What needs to be made last? How long does it take? Write it down. Continue to build a timeline for everything that needs to be done.
Tip #5: Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Phone – In order to stay on top of your timeline set reminders, alarms, or timers that literally beep and you when it is time to do something. It is easy to get distracted as guests arrive. Having the reminders will give you a way to break the conversation and prevent you from overcooking a dish.
Tip #6: Organize Dinnerware Before Guests Arrive – A lot of hosts will start getting the plates out as they need to plate the meals. Don’t do this to yourself. Wash, count, and set aside the right amount of dishes you’ll need for the party. This includes silverware, place mats, napkins, and wine glasses. Set them aside so you don’t have to think about it on the day.
Tip #7: Create a List of What is Needed for Every Course – Once your preparation is completed and you start to serve, having a list of everything that is included with every course will be a lifesaver. Need a bit of crème fraîche on your soup? How about fresh parsley for your appetizers? None of the details will be forgotten when you have a comprehensive list to keep you on track.
Tip #8: Set the Table the Night Before – Part of the beauty of a dinner party is the table setting. It takes the guess-work out of decorating your home, and gives you a place to store all of this dishes you washed and counted. Doing it the night before helps you to not fret on the day of the party.
Tip #9: Don’t Neglect Drinks – Drinks are every bit as important as the food being served at the party. A great idea is to incorporate a signature cocktail! If you’re serving cuisine from another culture, offering a beverage from the country or region is an added touch. As always, make sure you have enough nonalcoholic beverages (other than water) to serve your guests who do not wish to take part.
Tip #10: Add a Personal Touch – Place cards, small gifts for your guests, a signature drink, a game for everyone to play…anything that keeps your guests attention will make the night memorable.
Tip #11: Relax, and Enjoy Your Guests’ Company – Many hosts forget to relax. Martha Stewart has said, “So the pie isn’t perfect? Cut it into wedges. Stay in control, and never panic.” Your guests will be so happy to be in your company and so grateful for the hard work you’ve put into the meal they won’t notice if something is a little off.
Best of luck on your next dinner party! What other tips do you think have helped you succeed in the past?
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