Dinner parties are always a fun event for everybody involved. You will realize that if you are hosting a dinner party, you might be daunted by the amount of work involved, from buying food to preparing and serving it. This is the reason why some people normally opt to hire a catering company to take care of all this. Dinner parties can be a great idea if you are celebrating an occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries. You will realize that there are many corporate events for which dinner parties are a great idea. The following are some tips for hosting a great dinner party:
1. Menu planning
It is important that you check with your guest whether there are vegetarians and their food preferences. You should also enquire whether there are people who have food allergies and so on. This is the reason why you should plan a do-ahead menu with minimal last preparations. You can actually prepare one or more dishes a day or two ahead. You will realize that your guests will be more relaxed if the hostess does not spend the evening in the kitchen. It is important that you maximize your time with your guests.
2. Consider the table décor
It is not advisable to use flowers or candles that have a very strong smell. Remember that this can actually irritate a guest who has a sensitivity to smell. For example, star lilies in a centerpiece for dining room might be inadvisable because of their intense aroma. However, they can work well in a centerpiece for an outdoor table. This is the reason why you should consider using unscented candles and fragrance-free flowers.
3. Allow the guests to serve themselves from a buffet table.
It is important that you allow your guests to serve themselves from a buffet table so that they can choose the dishes and the size portion that suits them. If you allow them to serve themselves, food is less likely to be wasted. They will also be comfortable going back for more food.
4. Set the table a day before the event
It is always advisable to set the table a day before your event. This will actually give you ample time to look at it and make the necessary adjustments needed.
5. Invite only
It is important that you get your invitation out at least one month in advance and be clear about the rsvp deadline. Remember that people are normally booked a month in advance, especially for popular dates such as holidays. If you are hosting a dinner party that does not have a mandatory guest list, be flexible with the invites. This can help you get many guests. You will realize that your guests will get a chance to mingle with people they do not normally associate with.
6. Go with what you know.
It is important that you prepare a dish that you have ever prepared at least once or twice before the big event. If you are used to cooking casserole, practice making it in a larger party. If you are truly determined to impress guests with a good dish, give it a test run a few weeks in advance.
Those are some of the tips that can help you host a great dinner party. Follow them and you will enjoy the results.
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