What are the main steps to throwing a Dinner Party?!
What are the main steps to throwing a Dinner Party?
Answers:
Who, what, when, where, why.
Who:
A. Who is coming? Do any of them have conflicts with each other?...Do any of them have any thing in common with each other?
B. Who is helping? Make sure you are not so busy preparing food that you can't entertain--especially if everyone doesn't already know eachother. Recruit a couple of friends. Or, one time I even asked the neighborhood college boys to "wait staff" a big dinner party I was having. (light pick up and serving drinks etc.)
C. In your invitation ask for RSVP so you know how much food to make. And, if you expect them to bring their beverage of choice, indicate that as well. Have a place for them to keep their beverages cold. If you are providing beverages indicate that as well.
What & Why:
A. What, if anything, are you celebrating? This helps with menu choice, guest list and choice of formality. Let your guests know the details in your invitation.
B. What is for dinner? You don't have to tell everyone. But- if it is a big party you may want to have several options for people who are on different common diets (only white meat eaters, vegetarians etc.)
When:
A. When would be a good time for everyone to show?
B. Get a good estimate for when dinner will actually be served so you can let your guests know in your invitation. Try to stick with the schedule as close as possible so that people don't drink too much before dinner and so that they don't get too full on appetizers or too hungry waiting for the actual dinner to be served.
Where:
A. Are you doing this at your house? Or would it be more comfortable for a larger group to meet at a rented facility.
B. Send a map with your invitation. If it is an E-mail invite put your address on that too. Don't assume everyone remembers how to get to your place.
Also, don't get too crazy with any new recipes. Stick with what you know and when you get better at this you can experiment a bit.
I always make sure to have some appetizers and flowers and candles (or nice lighting).
Have Fun!!!
Source(s):
Spell check won't touch it--it is too long...lol
know your menue and get organized
Organization is key.
Send out/call out invitations and request RSVP a week in advance. Be prepared to call invited guests two days after RSVP date, as (sadly) hardly anyone RSVP's anymore...
Make your menu. Write out list of ingredients, shop and store away. Try to avoid foods that might be unpopular, such as anchovies, peanuts, sweetbreads, liver, etc.
If you will be serving foods prior to dinner, make all similar arrangements for the hors d'oeuvres (plates, napkins, small forks, recipes, etc)
Be sure you wont need to reuse any flatware or china during the course of the dinner. Count all pieces to be sure youre covered. Ditto with flatware and chairs and glassware and napkins
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Search recipies for steps that can be prepared a day or so in advance. Prepare these things and check them off your list. Try to leave as little to cook on party day as possible.
Arrange for a place for guest's coats, if necessary.
Clean bathrooms, etc. Put fresh flowers and candles everywhere. Select out the music you will want playing. These things will make a big difference when the time comes.
On the day of the event, try your best to time things so all hot foods will all come out at the right times. As hostess, you will spend a lot of time away from guests - so be prepared for this. If someone asks if they may help you let them. They probably mean it.
Be gracious, smile a lot, look like youre enjoying yourself, in spite of the pressure, and most important Have a Great Time.
first and foremost... the right people. the right number of people. the right food and drink... the menu means alot.. especially if some folks are vegetarian.. or non pork eaters..or have special dietary needs. the time..and day is important. location. i would assume is at your home. put drinks in one area.. and food in another.. to keep people moving throughout.... or food and drink away from music... something to keep them mingling. right wine.. if having alcohol. buffet or sit down..depends on space too
Organize carefully. Sending invitations and get them to RSVP and do it early. Think of the menu and who's cooking it. Yourself? Caterer? Etc. You get the picture?
Make a guest list
Plan a menu
Invite guests
Prepare as much as you can the day before the party.