With July upon us, party season is in full swing. Many of you, whether you love party planning or loath the process, will be in charge of a dinner party this summer. No matter what occasion you are planning for, If you follow these tips, the process to building the perfect dinner party will be seamless.
The most important detail to figure out, is what are you celebrating? The reason for your gathering will help guide you when deciding who should attend, what you should serve, and what little details you will need to bring your party to life. Are you hosting a dinner party for a birthday? An evening couples shower with heavier appetizers and less of a main course? Or is it just Friday night & you want to party? No matter the reason, once you nail it, the rest of the details will fall into place.
Once you know why you are celebrating, The Who should he invited question will be a lot easier. Ladies night will require a much different menu and vibe than a dinner party with mixed couples. Friends on Friday will likely be much more casual than a hosted fundraiser dinner and if you have a special guest of honor, don’t forget to consult them on the invitees.
Now that you know why you are celebrating and who with, based on the guest list of your event, what kind of meal would be best? Do you have enough plates, flatware, glassware and serving trays to accommodate the menu you have planned, or do you need to order rentals or pick up disposable options. Are you cooking the whole meal yourself? If so, you will want to remake as many things as possible. Perhaps you make a special dish and order some favorite sides and a dessert to not overwhelm yourself work. For a larger party or more special occasion, should you consider a caterer which can often times be the same price as a nice meal out and comes with the bonus of no work and no clean up. It is also important to consider any special dietary needs of your guests, especially if the menu is limited. Lastly, don’t forget dessert. Do you need to order a special cake in advance? Get that order for your favorite dessert in with plenty of notice if you or your caterer aren’t making it. And no matter what, don’t forget the candles.
Finally, what details are really going to make your night magical? Florals always go along way to make a table come alive and make sure to set out everything you need for serving all your food and drinks the day before. Think of having a signature drink or two that you could prepare in advance of guest arrival so you can enjoy their company at party time instead of being a slave to the bar. Don’t forget to pick a long playlist or commercial free music station to set the vibe during your gathering. But the most important detail, is preparation. A little advanced prep will make for an enjoyable party for you and your guests.
Written by Angela Samuels for Newport Beach Living Magazine, May 2022
