Throwing the perfect dinner party starts with the perfect snack.
While many are already looking forward to spring, it’s still pretty wintry outside, and the days aren’t quite long enough to be thinking about evening picnics, BBQs, or strolls along the beach with an ice cream cone just yet. As we’re all stuck hosting indoor dinner parties for at least the next couple of months, might as well get good at it!
What makes the perfect dinner party really depends on you, your taste, and what your friends will enjoy. But then, there are some reasonably solid rules to follow.
Forward planning is the most important thing you can do before a dinner party, starting with the menu. Ask every guest individually if they have any food allergies or intolerances, and then make one meal that everyone can enjoy, rather than creating special one-off dishes for anyone who can’t eat certain foods. Keep the main dishes simple, and you’ll be better able to enjoy the evening, too. One-pot meals work really well.
Even if the meal you’re preparing is easy, something as straightforward as a fantastic table setup can take the night from simple to spectacular. Choose your plates and glassware carefully, and add special touches such as flowers, greenery, and even bowls filled with seasonal fruits if you’d like. You can also add pops of colour with napkins, tablecloths, and even coloured cutlery. If it’s a holiday party, use seasonal plants such as holly or mistletoe.
Avoid the urge to overdecorate by sticking to classic shapes and pieces with a modern twist.
While your guests will need to see what they’re eating, lighting that’s too bright can spoil the mood of a dinner party. Dim the main room lights and use candles to light the room and set the mood. Keep them unscented for the table as that’s where food will be served. However, you can add ambience-setting scented candles elsewhere if you’d like. If you’re going to be eating or spending time outside, hurricane lamps will do the job.
For music, keep the playlist light and inconspicuous while guests are arriving, and even more so while you’re eating. You want to set the mood, but you certainly don’t want guests shouting over each other to be heard, or getting distracted from their conversations by the music being too loud. After dinner, as the party continues, feel free to turn it up, and up the BPM as well.
Don’t leave your guests hungry. On arrival, offer them a snack. It’s likely you’ll be preparing at least part of the starter when your guests arrive to keep it fresh, and snacks can keep them happy while they wait. Snacks can be anything you want – from olives and antipasti to cheez balls.
As well as food, drinks are a memorable part of any dinner party. Consider creating a signature cocktail for that extra special touch of uniqueness, and serve them in beautiful vintage glasses or use those garnished with something quirky for that Instagram factor. Don’t forget a mocktail for designated drivers
Did you like this post? Why not Pin it?
Featured article
No Comments