Dinner Party Tips

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Tired of going to the same old restaurant? You eat the same thing every time and shout to be heard at the opposite end of the table. Change it up by hosting an intimate dinner party in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are a gourmet cook or an amateur, you can pull off a dinner party with minimal stress. Follow these tips to make your party a success.

1. Limit your guest list. Don't overwhelm yourself. Host a dinner party of between 6 to 12 people. Stay on the lower side if you have a small place or don't want to spend time cooking for a crowd.



2. Invite guests who will feel comfortable with one another. If you have five outspoken people and a sole shy person, the shy one may feel even more timid. Maintain a balanced amount of personalities to make everyone happy.



3. Decide where you want to have it. Even if the party will be in your digs, it's still something to consider. Is your dining room big enough? Should you seat everyone at the table? Also assess tables, chairs, refrigerator and freezer space. That way you can decide if you need to rent or borrow supplies.



4. Set a budget. Think about how much you want to spend on food, drink, decorations, extra supplies (plates, glasses, etc.) and any serving or cleanup help you may want to hire.



5. Ask guests about food restrictions. Your friend Mary arrives at your dinner party and mentions that she's allergic to shrimp. Minor problem -- that's your main course. Inquire about guests' food allergies, dietary restrictions and extreme dislikes before setting the menu to avoid problems.



6. Keep the meal simple. Just because a dish is complex doesn't make it taste better. A simple casserole or pot roast can suffice. And don't feel like you have to make everything from scratch -- it's okay to hire a caterer, bring in carryout or even order gourmet frozen or prepared meals. Prepare one dish and buy the rest, or order in the whole meal -- there's no shame. Just be sure to order everything in advance so you don't encounter problems on party day.



7. Choose a theme. Deciding on a menu can prove overwhelming. Narrow your options by selecting a theme. You can do an Asian-inspired meal of miso soup and sushi. Spice it up Mexican-style with chips, salsa, guacamole, nachos and burritos.



8. Focus on simple touches that "fake" elegance. Use attractive serving dishes and big white plates to make food look glamourous. Garnishes like edible flowers, sliced olives or toasted almonds make dishes look fresher and classier. Serve soups with a swirl of cream, or shave slices of Parmesan cheeses atop a pasta or salad. Warm bread in the oven before serving.



9. Set the scene. You've cleaned the living room, changed the towels in the bathroom and broken out the welcome mat. Up the aura of ambiance with a floral centerpiece and a coordinating tablecloth and napkins. Play some jazz or light music in the background.



10. Prepare it in advance. Limit what you have to cook at the last minute. Arrange cold appetizers, mix salads, brown meat, plate desserts, etc. And don't forget to set the table too. That way you are socializing with guests, not slaving in the kitchen.



11. Think how you will serve the meal. You can serve it family-style, where guests help themselves from large bowls or plates. Or spread out the food on a table, and have guests serve themselves from the buffet. To be more formal, you can plate the entrees restaurant-style and let guests help themselves to the sides.

Remember, dinner parties are supposed to be fun. You burned the bread or forgot to buy the croutons? The guests can live without them. Indeed, such minor details won't prevent you from having a dynamite party.

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