Life is about experiencing new things and perfecting those experiences as we go along. Hosting a dinner party is one such experience that can bring joy when done right. Hosting is more than serving food; it is an art to master. The secret of throwing a good dinner party is to be present with the guest and not run around doing chores. You might wonder, that’s a pretty simple thing to do. But, most of the time, the host finds himself busy with cooking to be able to actually be present and enjoy the party. Continue reading to learn useful tips for throwing a grown-up dinner party.
The Seating: When you host a dinner party, you invite people from different sectors of your life. It is only natural that not everyone is going to know each other at the table. So, the seating arrangement plays an important role in the success of the party. As a rule of thumb, every guest should know at least one other person at the table besides the host. When you seat a pair of people who don’t know each other side by side, it gives them the opportunity to have a fresh conversation at the dinner table. Since the host knows the guests well, they should not seat clashing personalities next to each other.
Mind The Food: There’s a difference between a potluck and a dinner party. Sometimes, people bring food from their homes to a party and expect it to be served to the guest. While it might seem a good gesture, it can actually ruin the mood. Finding a place to put different dishes on the table and serving them to the guest in tiny portions will ruin your fancy evening. That is why it is up to you to control the food.
- Ask the guests not to bring any food from home.
- Prepare all the dishes before the guests come. The only thing you must do with the food when the guests arrive is to plate them.
- Select a menu that is not too complex for you. You don’t want to be worried about the food all the time. Again, hosting a party is more than just good food.
- You don’t have to be a great chef in order to throw a party. If you don’t have time to cook, you can always order food from a good restaurant and heat it before the guests arrive.
Pour It Up: What is a grown-up party if you don’t serve drinks? When it comes to drinks, ensure you have a fairly decent booze collection. Different people like different things. You don’t want your guests to be disappointed in your selection of wine. You must also learn how to make basic cocktails such as Sex on the Beach, Screwdriver, Blackberry Margarita, Cosmopolitan, and more. You can easily find the recipes for such cocktails online. You can show off your skills at the party by making the guest your signature cocktail.