MAKE YOUR HOME THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER
WITH THESE 8 TIPS
Dinner parties are all the rage these days. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering of close friends or a large soirée for all your extended family, there’s nothing like entertaining in your own home.
But if you’ve never hosted a dinner party before, the prospect can be daunting. Where do you start? How do you make sure everything goes off without a hitch?
Never fear! With these 8 tips, you’ll be the best hostess in town in no time.
Plan, plan, plan
The key to any successful dinner party is planning ahead. Decide on a menu and make sure you have all the ingredients you need - including any special dietary requirements your guests may have.
It’s also a good idea to set the table the night before and get your cooking area organized so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Set the mood
A few well-placed candles can go a long way toward setting the tone for your dinner party. Soft lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make your guests feel right at home.
Make it personal
Add some personal touches to your décor to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. A vase of fresh flowers or a framed photo of you and your guests are always nice touches.
Be prepared
Nothing puts a damper on a dinner party like having to run out to the shops for last-minute supplies. Avoid this by stocking up on everything you might need - from extra napkins to serving platters - ahead of time.
Keep it simple
When it comes to food, stick to tried-and-true recipes that you know will turn out well. There’s no need to try something new and risk disaster when hosting a dinner party. Keep it simple and stick with what you know!
Delegate
Don’t try to do everything yourself! Ask your guests to bring drinks or dessert, or assign someone to be in charge of music or taking photos. Delegating will help reduce your stress level and allow you to enjoy the party as well!
Have fun!
At the end of the day, remember that hosting a dinner party should be fun! If things don’t go perfectly, don’t sweat it - your guests will understand and forgive any minor mishaps. Just relax and enjoy yourself, and your guests will do the same!
Follow up
After your guests have gone home, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or phone call expressing your appreciation for their attendance. This thoughtful gesture will ensure that they remember your dinner party fondly - and who knows, they may even return the favor next time!
With these 8 tips in hand, you’re ready to become the best hostess in town!
Just remember to relax and have fun, and your guests will do the same.
Bon appétit!