(Image Courtesy of Walt Stoneburner)
If you’re new to the art of throwing a dinner party, taking that initial leap can be a bit daunting. The important thing to remember when inviting people over is that you’re supposed to have fun- don’t let the menu and trying to make your apartment spotless get in the way of your good time.
The basics that you need to remember are the gues list, the menu and how to be a good host. Thankfully, this article from renters.apartments.com has a great guide to getting your started on your way to dinner party success. Keep reading to learn a few tips and tricks to make your first dinner party go off without a hitch!
The Guest List
One of the most important aspects to planning a dinner party is inviting the right people, as well as inviting the right number of people. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, and to keep food costs down, invite a maximum of ten people. If possible, choose to invite people that will likely mix well, but are different enough from each other to spark interesting conversation. When inviting guests, be sure to specify the type of dress (casual, formal, and so on) so they can plan accordingly.
Plan a Menu
A menu that includes some appetizers, a main course, and a dessert is ideal for any dinner party. When selecting a menu for your party, consider any special dietary restrictions that your guest may have, as well as your cooking ability. If you aren’t that skilled in the kitchen, stick with simple recipes that everyone loves, such as macaroni and cheese. It is more important that the menu be well-prepared than to be fancy.
Beverages are also important. You may choose to serve wine, beer, cocktails, or even a single “signature cocktail.” If you are serving alcohol, be sure to offer water and other non-alcoholic options as well. If you find yourself having a hard time deciding what to put on your menu, try choosing a theme for the entire party, and then choose foods that make sense with the theme.
Be a Good Host
A good host has a clean home, a welcoming attitude, and is attentive to their guests’ needs. Greeting guests with drinks and a selections of appetizers is a good way to start the evening, and makes hungry folks feel at ease. Giving guests a tour of the house, or at least, directions to the bathroom, is always appreciated.
Keep the conversation flowing by bringing up subjects that everyone can relate to, or by letting people know things that they may have in common with each other. It is also a good idea to have some activities around in case you sense that people are beginning to tire of table conversation.
When the party is over, be sure to thank you guests for coming, as well as for any hostess gifts they may have given you. Depending on the formality of your event, you may want to send a written thank-you note to those who attended your party. By inviting a great group of people, planning a menu that you can execute well, and being aware of your guests’ needs, your first dinner party is sure to be a hit.
0comments:
Post a Comment