You know that friend who can throw a killer dinner party, complete with a gorgeous table setting, original menu, and flawless napkin rings. You’re intimidated. How could you compete?
But now is the time to rise above your fears and become the perfect hostess with the most-ess. So what are you waiting for? Read on for five tips on hosting a dinner party that will have your friends begging for seconds (and thirds).
Don’t Skip The Snacks
This might seem like a no-brainer, but believe us, hosting a dinner party is an art form. You need to prepare for every eventuality, and snacking is essential. Provide your guests with something to nibble on throughout the evening. Firstly, you could go the tried and true route and serve some fancy finger foods. You could serve a cheese plate or perhaps some crudités with a dip. Alternatively, you could go the sweet route and do a dessert platter. And if you’re a home baker, then hosting a party is the perfect time to go to town.
Be A Master Of Lighting
You want to set the tone for the evening, and one of the best ways to do that is by controlling the lighting. This is why you should be a master of lighting. You can do this by changing the lights in the space or by bringing in some additional fixtures. Now, you may think you need to invest in some fancy new lighting, but the truth is candles are your best friend here. Not only do they look beautiful, but they are also super easy to control with an existing dimmer switch. Plus, candles are pretty cheap to buy, making them the perfect solution for any hostess on a budget.
Think About Your Seating Arrangement
It may seem like a small detail, but the seating arrangement can make or break your dinner party. You want to make sure you have enough space for everyone, so they feel comfortable, but you also want to make sure you have enough room to actually walk around the table. Your seating arrangement is also essential for the flow of conversation. If your guests are sitting too close, they will feel like they can’t speak freely. Make sure to leave enough space between the seating so guests can breathe and feel comfortable.
Have A Signature Drink
While we don’t advocate getting everyone drunk at a dinner party, a little bit of alcohol can help everyone feel more at ease. However, you don’t want to serve everyone straight liquor because you don’t want to put anyone in an uncomfortable position. So, you should definitely have a signature drink on hand. It could be something as simple as a wine spritzer, and using fruit wine to give it a bit of a twist is a great idea. If the idea of creating a signature drink brings you out in hives, check out classic cocktails that are ready to go.
Go All Out On The Decorations
You want to go all out on decorations. But don’t go overboard. Make sure your guests are comfortable and able to relax and enjoy themselves. But you also want to make it obvious that you took the time to set the mood. Adding in a few decor pieces here and there can help set the mood and give your guests something to look at instead of staring awkwardly at their hands. Candles, flowers, and tablecloths are some of the easiest ways to add decorations to your dinner party.
And Finally, Have A Killer Playlist Ready To Go
Music sets the tone for any event, and hosting a dinner party is no different. You want to create the perfect mood, so a great playlist is key. Make sure it’s not too loud that it is distracting, but also loud enough that it is audible. The best way to choose music for a dinner party is to select songs that fit the mood you are trying to set.
