LONDON – LIVING – There are few better ways to catch up with friends or family than a dinner party. Eating out at a nice restaurant like some of the best restaurants in Birmingham can be enjoyable from time to time, but often it can be hard to hear what anyone is saying, not to mention the cost. Hosting a dinner party allows you to relax in a comfortable environment, enjoy one another’s company and save a considerable amount of money. Hosting a dinner party is always daunting even if you are an experienced host, but there are a few different tips that you can follow which will help to make the night a success and enjoyable for all.
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- Early Preparation
You should start planning your dinner party as soon as you have confirmed a date. First, you need to get a confirmation on how many people will be attending and whether or not there are any special dietary requirements. You can then begin planning a suitable menu.
- Dinner
Food: Food is the area that causes the most stress as there is a lot of pressure to impress. Although you will want to impress, it is essential that it is a dish that you are confident in cooking, so pick something that is straightforward but also delicious. Maple glazed salmon is one excellent option s it has a divine taste but is also incredibly easy to prepare and looks fantastic too.
You should also think about a starter and dessert, but you could always purchase these or ask someone to bring something. For many people, it can be helpful to do a few practice runs for cooking the food so that you can build confidence and know exactly how long it will take.
Drinks: People may bring a bottle, but you should stock up on a mixture of drinks so that everyone is catered for. This will include red wine, white wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks.
- Tidying The Home
It is a good idea to tidy the home the day before the dinner party so that you do not have to rush on the big day. This will involve:
- Cleaning and vacuuming each room
- Stocking up on supplies
- Getting the kitchen prepared
- Making sure you have clean plates, cutlery, bowls, glasses
- Entertainment
More often than not the conversation will flow smoothly but you may want to think of a few non-controversial topics to talk about or games to play if there is a lull. You should also pick appropriate music that will last the entire evening.
- On The Day
On the day of the dinner party, you need to give yourself plenty of time to get ready. This will involve laying the table, getting washed and change and, if time, pouring yourself a drink before the guests arrive to settle and get in the mood.
No matter if it is your first dinner party or your 50th, there will always be a few nerves involved, and this is understandable. The above advice will help to reduce stress and also ensure that it is a great night for all.