Dinner parties can be stressful to plan and host. You will have to make sure the house is clean before, during and after the event. You also need to come up with a tantalising menu or meal for the guests, and then there is setting the table. All in all, a lot goes into planning. However, dinner parties do not need to be stressful.
The secret is embracing the fun of a relaxed setting that has everyone feeling at ease. The same feeling applies to you as the host. Below are a few tips for hosting a dinner party and avoiding the stress that goes with it.
1. Preparation
Doing the dishes is such a drag, the feeling of seeing utensils in the sink waiting for you to clean them is horrible. You can avoid this by ensuring that your dishwasher is empty before the party starts. Meaning you will have enough space for the dirty dishes and can load the dishwasher as you go. Choose a high-quality dishwasher from an excellent selection, such as dishwashers at John Lewis .
You never know when you need more utensils and having some already clean and drying will be such a timesaver as the party goes on. Along the same lines, prepare early when it comes to taking out the trash by ensuring it is taken out before the party.
2. A Stress-Free Kitchen
Try your best to keep the unpleasant kitchen tasks out of the way during the party. That means you should prepare everything you need before the party starts. Then wash everything after you are done with them to minimise the amount of cleaning you will have to do after the event.
Pro tip: Consider pre-making the dessert the night before so that all you need do is pre-heat in the oven when you need to serve it to your guests.
3. Setting The Table
Setting the table can be time-consuming, more so when you have a special attachment to your tableware. But if there is a style that you like, then things may not be that hard for you to figure. You can opt to work with a classic look or go for something modern that has a touch of style.
Taking into consideration the type of guests you will host at the dinner party, find a balance between new and old styles of cutlery and tableware might be a safe bet. Just remember to have a table that is bright with a clean presentation. Whites with a touch of black, gold, or any other vibrant colour will work.
A centrepiece is a must for the table. It does not have to be anything expensive or overly elaborate, but it should pull the table setting together. Throw a few colourful flowers into the mix and you will have a table that looks warm and inviting.
4. Splurge And Save
Tableware does not come cheap, but you still can manage to save when getting what you need for your dinner party. Know what to splurge on and what you can make savings on. For instance, you can get elegant high-quality, and inexpensive white dinner plates from Ikea or Target at a bargain. White is a neutral hue that sits well with any style of décor.
You also should consider looking at ways you can save on heating when trying to ensure the meal is hot and your guests feel toasty inside the dining room. You can opt to have a German electric radiator installed to heat the room. As for the table, you will need linen to cover the cold surface, and you also should get some placemats with matching napkins. All these you can get at a bargain price from stores such as Sur La Table, West Elm and Crate & Barrel.
To make a huge saving, you can buy chic fabrics and make your own set of table linens. Pick something printed to make placemats, soft material for the napkins; play around with white and black to stay on the safe side of things.
5. The Menu
What to prepare depends on the number of guests. If you have more than ten people coming over, then request everyone bring something. You can then focus on the main dish. Ask others to bring the dessert, others a salad, and others a side dish. Give them an idea of the menu you are working with for the dinner and let them decide what to bring.
For six or fewer people, you can whip up something simple yet delicious, such as a pasta dish. Avoid going for something complicated, especially if you have already gone to great lengths with the wine, such as La Crema Monterey Chardonnay .
6. Overall Enjoy!
Lastly, remember to enjoy every moment. From when you start preparing the food, setting up the dining room to when the guests arrive and up to when they leave. Nothing beats having friends and family gathered for dinner and having a great time over a hearty meal.
