How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party
I enjoy hosting dinner parties because I love giving something back to my friends. Dinner parties always provide a relaxed and social atmosphere when surrounded by good company. This is also a great time of year to host a dinner party. It’s chilly outside so most people would prefer to be in a cosy home than outside at a bar. Dinner parties may sometimes be a little stressful to host, but this shouldn’t be the case. Here are some tips to host a stress-free and perfect dinner party for all your friends. It’s important to have fun throughout the whole process if you’re the host or hostess. This is your time to shine.
Preparation is Key
By reading this blog you’re already on the way to ensuring your dinner party is well-prepared. This is probably the most important tip though. If you’re disorganised throughout your dinner party, it’s going to show. Ensure you make all the necessary arrangements by preparing in advance. Make a list of all the ingredients you need to buy. This way, you won’t be left running to the convenience store when all your friends have arrived already. Make a rough plan on how you want the night to go ahead. If the dinner party is in celebration of anything, ensure you have everything you need.
Stay Relaxed
It’s important to stay relaxed throughout your dinner party. After all, you’re there to have fun too. Your guests will notice if you’re not present with everyone else. Preparation will help you be more relaxed. So, make sure to follow the first tip: be prepared! Start preparing your meals in advance so that they’re ready on time. Having some appetisers ready on the table will also help if there’s a bit of a delay. Don’t forget, you’re surrounded by all your loved ones so even if you do slip-up, no one is going to judge. Your friends would rather have you relaxed and present in the moment.
Keep the Kitchen Tidy
Organisation will lead to a stress-free environment. If you have all your utensils and food scattered everywhere, you’re going to frantically be searching around the place for everything. Get everything sorted out before you start cooking. Leave a separate section in the fridge for all the ingredients you need that evening. Put all the required utensils in one corner of the kitchen. Take out all the herbs and spices you need so you’re not left wasting time. Be sure to clean up as you go along. You hear all the chefs on your favourite cooking shows saying the same thing. It really is key to a stress-free cooking environment. Mess will only clutter your mind, which could potentially lead to a mistake. You also don’t want to be left doing some last-minute cleaning right before your guests arrive.
An Elegant Table Display
Your guests will be impressed if you make an effort setting up the table. An elegant table display will bring everything together. It’ll also be really fun to go shopping to buy all the preparations. A tablecloth is a must. It will make the cleaning process so much easier for you. You’ll find a range of different napkins to suit whatever theme. If you want to go really fancy, buy a bouquet of fresh flowers. Candles will also make the table look even more complete. A lavish setting will make dinner all the more enjoyable!
A Delightful Menu for Everyone to Enjoy
The main reason people attend a dinner party is to eat delicious food (as well as socialising of course!). The menu will be the main event of the whole dinner party. The best part about this is that you’ll be completely in charge. You can choose to cook whatever you want. You can go for a classic dish you’re used to cooking all the time. Or, if you’re feeling really experimental, you can try something new. Make sure to go for something you know everyone will enjoy. The safe option for dessert is usually something that includes chocolate. Everyone loves chocolate! I’d suggest stocking up on a tub of vanilla ice-cream though, just in case. It’s important to take into consideration everyone’s dietary needs when preparing meals. Many dishes can be easily adapted to replicate your desired intentions. If you’re unsure, a simple Google search will do.
Drinks, Drinks, Drinks
Everyone is going to have a great time as long as drinks are involved. Don’t expect your guests to come prepared with all the drinks. It’s necessary for you to buy enough drinks to last the whole evening. After all, it’s better to have too much than too little. This will ensure that the fun will last throughout the night. Offer drinks that complement your meal. It’s also wise to buy a range of different types to meet everyone’s needs. It may even be fun trying to make some of your own cocktails. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be appreciated amongst your friends who don’t like to drink too much.
Music is Key
Some ambient music will be nice to have in the background. Spotify have plenty of dinner party playlists for you to choose from if you’re stuck for choice. However, you can never really go wrong with some old classics. Music always seems to get people talking too. You’ll never run out of good conversation if you have a good song in the background. Turn the music up a notch or two once you’re done eating. You may want to get those feet moving or just relax on the sofa while enjoying a glass wine..
Some Fun Party Games
Get everyone together to play some fun party games! There are so many to choose from. Charades remains a firm favourite and always gets everyone laughing. You can never go wrong with a pack of cards either! Cards offer a variation of games, so you won’t get bored. Cards Against Humanity is a classic if you’re surrounded by a close group of friends. Probably best not to play this one with people you’ve only just met. Playing games may seem childish at first, but they usually lead to a memorable evening.
Hosting dinner parties is always fun. You get to enjoy good food and good company. However, they are a lot of effort and require ample preparation. It’s all worth it in the end! Your friends will be very appreciative of all the time and effort you put into the evening. Dinner parties are also a great way to show your friends your new apartment. So, get that housewarming party started! If you’ve just moved to Malta and are looking for a property to rent, get in touch with one of our letting specialists at QuickLets. We’ll ensure the transition is as simple as possible so you can concentrate on other aspects of your move abroad.