Anyone has the option of hosting a dinner party. Not everyone can throw the ultimate dinner party. So, what makes it ultimate? Planning, planning and planning. Oh, and not leaving any detail untouched.
Hosting a dinner party can sound exciting. But when the ball starts rolling, the idea of putting it into effect can be a bit overwhelming. It isn’t easy making sure everything goes smoothly – from the initial arrival of guests to the last goodbye. However, if you can arm yourself with this checklist and the will to make it happen, your dinner party will be the talk of the town for years to come.
Timing and Invites
First, timing is everything. Deciding the best time of year, the best day, and best time will be key to how many will attend. Keep in mind possible weather-related issues, holidays, and other events. You will want to gather a list of those you are inviting and prepare the invitations.
Mailing (or e-mailing) the invites should take place about 4 weeks from the party date. This will allow plenty of time for any planning or schedule re-arranging that needs to be done by your guests.
Creating Space
Decide where you will host your dinner party. If your guest list is small, you may be able to hold the dinner in your home, using your existing dining room table, or adding on to it. However, for those with extensive guest lists, hosting a dinner party under a tent rental in the backyard may seem more logical. Using a tent rental for dinner parties is extremely common and can make the dinner more enjoyable – adding space to roam.
Make sure to account for enough space to have a dining area, a food station area, a comfortable sitting/mingling area, and an area to entertain for things such as dancing, games, etc.
Don’t forget to decorate your space! Choose a color scheme or a party them and match your decorations to it. There are many ideas online or at party stores if you can’t decide.
Planning the Menu
Most guests will arrive hungry. They know they are coming to your awesome dinner and they will bring their appetite. The best thing that you can do as a hostess is provide something for your guests to munch on prior to dinner. Appetizers or hors d’oeuvres such as chips and dip, veggie platters, shrimp cocktail or skewers, etc., will be light on the stomach, but will keep your guests busy until the meal is ready.
Dinner can be served at the table or via buffet style. Either way, make sure you have a varied selection. Not everyone likes the same dish. Some guests may also have dietary concerns. Make sure you provide dishes with meat, some without, and, if you cook a dish that has well-known allergens, such as shellfish or peanuts, make sure you notate it.
Always conclude the meal with a dessert. Get creative. You want this to taste delicious since it is going to be the final taste left on the tongues of your guests! Chocolate fountains with a variety of fruits, a sundae bar, pies, cakes, brownies. The choice is yours—just make it good!
Tip: If you decided to go with a theme, let your food keep in line with that theme. For example, if you decide on that Mardi Gras party, then serving a crawfish boil or jambalaya would be fitting.
Plan for Weather with a Tent Rental
The comfort of your guests is very important. If you are hosting a dinner party indoors, make sure you have adequate cooling or heating. In addition, make sure you have a plan for wet shoes, clothes or umbrellas – you do not want a wet, dirty floor should Mother Nature decide to soak you!
This point is more important to look at if you decide to host your party outdoors. You will need to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. A tent rental can provide shelter from rain and sun. If it has walls or a floor, then you can avoid wind and mud. You can also set up fans and heaters or use a tent rental that allows you to control the temperature.
If your guests are exposed to the elements, you would be an ultimate hostess if you provide little luxuries that others may forget. For example, soft throw blankets, insect repellant, sun glasses, flip flops, hand-held fans, etc. The more comfort you provide, the happier your guests will be.
Lighting
Lighting can make a bold statement and set the mood when hosting a dinner party. Soft lighting can create an intimate environment, allowing your guests to come together. Make use of candles (citronella candles if you are outdoors), delicate string lighting, or lanterns. Switching your normal lightbulbs for those of a lower watt can make a big difference, too. Having more soft lights rather than less bright lights can create a calming effect, making the night more serene.
Drinks
You will need to make the decision of whether to serve alcohol at your dinner party. Sure, some people do not drink, but many others do. Asking your guests to bring their own drink, i.e. a “BYOB., will not lead you to win the ultimate dinner party host award. Your guests want to be catered to and treated. If you choose to treat them to booze, then you are going to have to make some decisions as to what you will serve. For the sake of your budget, you will want to ignore specific requests. Decide on a special drink of the night – one that goes with your party’s theme or color – and buy a load of white and red wine. Your guests will be appreciative, guaranteed.
Plan a Group Activity
This doesn’t have to be cheesy. You can choose a game or event that matches your party theme or you can just choose something to get your guests moving and talking. Guests don’t want to be bored and they surely aren’t coming just for your Aunt Mary’s old casserole recipe. Whatever you decide, keep it fun and entertaining.
Hosting a dinner party can be exciting and memorable. It doesn’t take any special skill to throw an ultimate dinner party – just organization, planning, and a thoughtful attitude. Remember your guests are guests and treat them as such, even if they are your closest friends.