You’re long overdue for a fancy dinner party. From invitations to decorations, here’s everything you need to plan an elegant dinner for friends and family.
We Americans are an entertaining bunch. Half of us host guests in our home at least once a month.
That means the other half of us do not. If you happen to fall into that category and would love to host a fancy dinner party but have no idea where to start, fear not. Here are some tips on how to pull off an elegant dinner party that everyone will enjoy.
Send Invites Ahead of Time
Your guests will be more likely to attend if they’re notified of your plans at least a month in advance. To make the occasion more special, consider sending paper invites in the mail. In today’s tech-heavy world, people love receiving physical personalized party invitations.
You can also use a site like Evite to email the details to your guests and track RSVPs.
Keep the Menu Simple for Your Sanity
As a hostess, you want to be able to mingle with your guests, not slave away in the kitchen. Try to choose a simple dish that can be prepared ahead of time and will be ready for serving when your friends sit down.
Appetizers should be ones that don’t require a lot of prep work. To keep things simple, set out a charcuterie assortment of cheeses, crackers, olives, and meats.
Stock your bar with basic liquors, garnishes, and seltzer water. Make a batch of sangria or another cocktail for guests to help themselves to. A pitcher of plain ice water will also be appreciated.
Step Up Your Table Setting and Decorating Game
Your dining table will be the focus of your event, so dress it up so it’s dinner party ready. There are several ways to transform your dining room. Swap the paper napkins for linens, set out plates, glasses, and tableware, and create a centerpiece of floating flowers or candles.
It goes without saying that your home should be clean and clutter-free in preparation for your shindig. Vacuum and dust every corner and remove items that don’t belong to give your guests more room.
If you really want to add an elegant touch to your home, consider hanging a raindrop chandelier near a staircase or entryway.
Play Some Background Music
Don’t forget to load a playlist of some mellow songs for the cocktail hour to help set the tone of the night. You may want to power down the music during mealtime so everyone can enjoy conversation without the distraction.
Raise a Toast
Make everyone feel appreciated by pouring wine and proposing a toast before the meal. It doesn’t have to be thought out and elaborate; you can keep it simple by raising glasses to old and new friends.
Encourage Guests to Return to the Living Room
After dessert, move everyone back to the living room area for some more mingling. You can set out some board games for anyone feeling competitive.
Leave cleaning for the following morning. You’ll have more energy to do the job and the mess will remind you that you know how to throw a successful bash!
Now You’re Ready to Throw a Fancy Dinner Party
There’s nothing like a fancy dinner party to get adults together without kids or worrying about obligations. By following these tips, your guests are sure to have a great time and will look forward to future soirees.
If you’re looking for more helpful hints on making the most of entertaining in your home, check out our latest home life posts.
