Party Tip #1 – How To Please All Your Dinner Guests

No matter what the occasion is that you and your guests are celebrating, hosting a dinner party takes preparation and organization.
With everyone’s busy schedules, families and friends don’t often get the chance to sit down and enjoy a special meal together. Here are some suggestions to help make your next gathering easy and memorable.

Start by making pre and post checklists of the supplies you will need. Write down everything you have to do before you run out and begin buying party supplies or writing invitations. As you plan your party, follow your timetable, go over lists and check off each task as it is completed.

Figure out how big or small a get-together you would like to have so you can plan your budget and stay within it. Consider how many you can comfortably seat at your table or how you can extend an existing table to accommodate more. Other tables in your home or even an inexpensive fold out rental table can work well when clothed and set.

Consider what fine-china dishes, flatware and cooking pots you will use. Use your expensive or special occasion pieces - this is a party after all. Also consider how well you can work in the size of your kitchen. If you have never done this before start small with some simple dishes and make additions after you have some experience.

Next, think about who will be on the invitation list and how they will relate to the other guests. Name cards at the dinner table or letting everyone know where they will be sitting is a nice way to encourage interesting conversation and for people to get to know each other.

If you plan on having a party on a specific holiday, be prepared for a fewer number of RSVP’s. People will be less likely to have other plans if the party is scheduled on a date before or after the holiday. If your party is a small family get-together, this shouldn’t be an issue. But if your party is a larger gathering, pick a day on a weekend so the majority of people are off work, and check that no other big events are happening around town.

Time your invitation for people to come 45 minutes to an hour before you plan to serve dinner. If possible let them know - cocktails at 7:00, dinner at 8:00. The more upscale the occasion the more formal the invite and the more lead time required. Everything works from a phone call, email, or handwritten invitation. Two to three weeks notice will suffice, and a reminder to confirm your attendance a few days prior to the party.

Make certain to include critical info like date, time, place and reason for the occasion. Ask guests to RSVP by a certain date so you can appropriately prepare. It is acceptable to call them if you haven’t received their RSVP by the specified date.

Don't be afraid to ask for help when planning your party. Talk to your local grocery store for food tips or a party supply shop for decorating ideas. Most people are happy to give advice and lend their expert opinion. Ask friends and family members for help as well. No one will enjoy their time if the host is stressed during the entire party. Assign tasks or food items for guests to bring to help ease your load. If you are going to serve wine choose after the menu is in place and enlist some help from local wine retailers. Not only can they find a pairing for food but they can also provide amounts required based on your numbers and the size of the wine bottle. Also consider hiring someone, like a friend or neighbor, to assist with coats or meal service. Just a few extra dollars can make for a more pleasant evening for you. An extra set of hands can always come in handy.

Shop early and plan ahead on what goods you will need and when you will have to pick them up. If possible, buy as much as you can for the party well ahead of time. Check as many items as you can off your list early, so you will have to do as little as possible the day before or on the day of your party. By knowing what products you do have, you can concentrate on what is left to get. This will help you to avoid that last minute scurry.

An organized house is more attractive and welcoming to your guests. Take the time to tidy up and put your belongings in their proper place. You will feel more comfortable knowing that your guests are seeing your home at its best. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom, and make certain there are extra towels or other supplies that a guest might find useful.

Setting and decorating the table, dining room and lounging area for your party sets a pleasant mood and makes it stand out from an everyday get together. Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune on decorating supplies.

Plan ahead. If your dining room can be closed off, set it a few days ahead of time. Keeping kids and pets away from a set table is important, so close the doors. Prepare foods that can be made ahead and store in the refrigerator or freeze. Make sure to check with guests to see if there are any food allergies you should be aware of before making your menu.

Plan ahead so you have as little to do on the actual day of your party as possible. Take time for yourself before guests begin arriving. Take a bath, go for a walk or read a book. Being a relaxed and stress free party host is the best thing to serve your guests