One of the finest things you can do for your friends and your family is to invite them round and throw a great dinner party. All you need is good conversation, friends, and importantly food. It may seem like a simple proposition but there is a real knack to it. You will need to plan it and be prepared. Because of this, it can be a little overwhelming when you first begin to think about hosting a party. Here are a few things you should consider when throwing a dinner party for your friends and family.
Planning a menu
Not everything you plan for your dinner party needs to be extraordinary or magnificent feats of culinary genius. All you need is a well-structured menu with recipes you can follow. And probably a little practice. You can get the most expensive product but if you can’t cook it then it is no good. These days there are recipes for everything from wagyu cooking instructions to shellfish stews. You just need to work out what you are comfortable cooking and get practicing.
Getting invitations
Sending someone an invitation may feel a little formal, but it can add a little bit of class and luxury to your gathering. It will also help your guests know that you are planning something a little bit more special. It will also grab their attention and give them an idea of the theme and aesthetic of your evening as well as how formal you want it to be. You can resort to an E-invite if you are short of time. It will help you keep track of things, but they are less creative and fun for your guests.
Creating an atmosphere
You can’t have a great dinner party if you don’t get the atmosphere right. Think about the guests you have invited and what kind of environment they would feel most comfortable in. Are they a relaxed or formal bunch? Do they want party music or something just in the background? Is it for lots of people or for just an intimate group? Picking and planning the kind of atmosphere you want a create will seep through your evening, so it is worthwhile working out what you want it to be.
Be a good host
This is the most important thing. As a host, not only are you expected to cook the meal and provide the drinks, but you also need to make sure people are comfortable and enjoying themselves. Try and get your guests chatting by introducing those with similar interests and backgrounds. You could consider having place cards for groups especially if you have guests that don’t know each other. Make sure that you clear a space for bags and jackets to be put in and ensure everyone has a drink.
Throwing a party
This is meant to be fun. However, that does not mean that it will be easy. You need to put a lot of effort into working out what you are going to do and how you are going to do it.
