So you’ve just remodeled your brand new kitchen and you’re looking to show it off. Throwing a dinner party can be an extremely rewarding way to spend time with friends and family as well as show off your fancy new space. It’s true that it can be a bit tedious and overwhelming to entertain for even a small amount of guests but rest assured it can be done.
Invitations
The beauty of living in the 21st century is invitations no longer have to be mailed or handwritten. There are a vast multitude of websites that offer occasion specific e-vites with fun designs. These sites let you keep track of who’s RVSP’d and can even alert you with reminders as your event draws nearer. It’s a good idea to send out invites 2-3 weeks before hand requesting guests respond no later than a week before. This gives you more than enough time to shop and prepare your home.
Cocktails
Cocktails are a must when it comes to welcoming your guests and ensuring that everybody starts to wind down and relax after a busy day. The best way to keep the drinks flowing without being stuck behind the bar is to create a fun and easy “serve yourself” station. Designate a corner in your house where people can fix themselves a cocktail and stock it with various liquors and mixes. A fun detail is to add a little drink menu of 4-5 easy drinks with instructions below, so guests can try something new if they’re unsure of what to drink. Make sure to consistently keep the bar stocked with ice and various glasses so everybody can have what they want.
Appetizers
If you ask some people, appetizers are the best part of any dinner party. It allows guests to socialize while also giving you leeway to finish preparing your meal. This too doesn’t have to be overly complicated and most people are satisfied with a good cheese and cracker plate or homemade dips. You don’t want your guests to fill up on appetizers before the main meal is served so try to keep it light and simple.
Dinner
This is usually the main event of any formal party and without proper provision, can become extremely complicated. Stick to simple, yet elegant meals that can be prepared hours in advance with minimal maintenance so that you too get to enjoy the party. Always consult with your guests beforehand to see if anybody has allergies or dietary restrictions as this can allow you to plan accordingly. The best meals to cook are reminiscent of comfort food that any guest will enjoy. Consider roasted chicken, or a pasta dish with all the add ins.
Entertainment
It’s very important to create a relaxing and alluring atmosphere in which guests can unwind and feel comfortable. Consider lighting and mood music to set the tone of the party. It’s also important to have activities such as card games available as an option if guests are looking for something to do.
Overall, hosting a formal dinner party should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your guests. This can be a great way to connect again with old friends and spend quality time with your family. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and you’ll be well on your way to hosting the dinner of the year!
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