If you want to host a dinner party but need the whole event to go as smoothly as possible then you have to plan ahead of time. If you don’t then you may find that you end up rushing things and it will be obvious when your guests arrive. If you want to avoid all of this, then take a look below to get some top tips.
Candles are Great
Candles are a simple and elegant way for you to make any dinner party feel special. They give your party a level of ambience that cannot be achieved through any other means. Tapered candles in elegant holders are great. If you don’t have the time or budget to seek out a candle centerpiece such as this then you can easily opt for a thick, pillar candle instead. Candles are so versatile, so make sure you pick your favorite and then light them. If you do this, then you will be able to make your guests feel at home.
Eliminate Stragglers
You can’t get around the fact that some people just have a different concept of time. Sometimes your guests will inevitably run late, but there are ways for you to try and prevent late shows. One thing you can do is set a firm start time and an end time on the invitation. Guests will then conclude that there is no room for them to be late. People are far more likely to be on time if they feel as though they are missing out, so be mindful of that if you can.
Be Specific
If you are wondering what you should be writing on your invitation, then this is understandable. Outlining the timeline can be a good idea, as well as stating that cocktails will be served between 5 pm and 6 pm, with dinner being served at 6:15 pm. If guests understand the timeline, then they will know that the whole thing is a structured event, and they are also less likely to barge in during the middle of the meal. If you do want to serve cocktails but just don’t know where to start, then learning how to make a Tom Collins is always a good idea.
Avoid Experimentation
It may seem exciting to try a different recipe when hosting a dinner party. This is especially the case if you have never made it before. That being said, you need to try and save it for another night. Unless you know it’ll be a hit, you shouldn’t take the risk. You don’t need any extra stress when the time comes for you to bring everything together. If you do want to take things to that next level, then one thing you can do is dress up the basics. It may be that you put some pink radicchio on your salads, or that you include some edible flowers. This will help you to make the whole meal more exciting so be mindful of that.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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