10 Easy Steps To Hosting A Dinner Party

Congratulations, you want to throw a fabulous dinner party! Dinner parties are the most delightful way to entertain friends and family in the comfort of your own home. There is a very special feeling that your guests have when you open your home to them. It is much more entertaining and pleasurable than having a get together in a restaurant atmosphere.

There is a lot of work that can go into planning, but it does not have to be difficult. You are the only person who can make the process hard, or you can make it simple and easy.

Above all, here is one main rule that you must adhere to – You must stick to your budget. If you go overboard, you will end up regretting that you even gave the party and will not be as thrilled to throw another one, so stick to the plan when it comes to money.

Here are the 10 Easy Steps for Planning a Great Party:

1. Sit down and write out a list of guests. You should do this first because once you determine the number of guests, you can work with a budget. The number of people you invite is up to you, so determine how many people you want to accommodate in your home. People will need space to mingle and not feel cramped.

2. Determine your theme of the party. Think about the reason you are throwing the party. This could be your theme. Other theme ideas can revolve around games, movies, Academy Awards shows, or any other special showings.

3. Next, concentrate on your color theme if you are not using all white, or a black and white theme. If you are using color, try not to have more than two to three colors.

4. What will your table setting look like? Do you have enough china and tableware to accommodate the number of guests? The color of your linen napkins (if you are using color) should look striking next to your china.

5. Next, work on your centerpiece. Imagine how it will work with your color choices. The flowers can match your color theme as well.

6. Now the good stuff! Plan your meal menu. You can use a cookbook to try and find your meals, or you can search the internet for recipes. Keep in mind your guests and any food allergies that you may know about and take those into consideration. The meals can have a theme as well. Your meals can range from simple to lavish five to seven course meals. Your presentation and table setting will set the stage.

7. Make a grocery list of the items that you will need for your meals and the quantity according to the number of guests that you want to invite. Get your groceries a few days in advance. Do not wait until the day of the party. Do not forget your beverages!

8. Make a list of the other items you will need, such as flowers, china if you do not have enough, tablecloth, linen napkins, flatware, chair covers if you choose, wine or champagne, coffee, candles, and beautiful vase.

9. Make a scheduled day when you will get the house cleaned for the party. Are the carpets fresh, floors waxed, and bathrooms spotless?

10. Send out your invitations 3-4 weeks ahead of time. This will allow your guest to clear their calendar for the event.

The Day Before The Party

• Pick a day to shop for your groceries, flowers, beverages and other supplies.

• Write out a list of things to do and cross them off as you complete them.

• Get the house cleaned if you have not already done so.

• Choose your outfit. If you have other family members, make sure they know what they will wear.

• You may choose to prepare one or two of the meals on this day as well, preferably the main course and the dessert.

• Set the table arrangement and the centerpiece.

The Day Of The Party

• Prepare your meals in the morning as early as possible.

• Make sure the house is clean.

• Make sure there is enough room in the home for mingling. If you have to rearrange furniture, please do so.

• Put up your theme decorations if any.