| Menu | | | | with some music, preferably something |
| Its all well and good cooking something that you | | | | instrumental. You want the music at a level that is |
| would like to eat, but consider the tastes and | | | | loud enough to hear, without drowning |
| preferences of your fellow diners. There's bound | | | | conversation. If the drinks are flowing and |
| to be someone who hates mushrooms, has an | | | | everyone is enjoying themselves, try turning up |
| allergy to garlic, or cannot stomach shellfish. Your | | | | the music to create more of a party atmosphere. |
| menu should be subtle and should appease those | | | | If you are unable to provide music, come up with |
| who are coming over to eat. Don't be too | | | | a list of conversation topics for the table. Not only |
| adventurous, try dishes that are classic, enjoyable | | | | will these keep the chatter flowing, but you might |
| and not too time consuming in the kitchen (there's | | | | find out some interesting things from your guests! |
| nothing worse than an absent host!). Remember | | | | Good topics of conversation can range from |
| that, if you are going to be cooking three | | | | politics to fashion. |
| courses, there is going to be lots of food on | | | | Dress Code |
| offer. Opt for light starters and refreshing | | | | Whilst it's nice to create a formal atmosphere for |
| desserts to cleanse the palette. Last but not least, | | | | your dinner party, you don't want your guests to |
| let your guests know what they can expect | | | | be uncomfortable. Black tie is probably too formal |
| before the night - you don't want to find that | | | | for a dinner party. Why not suggest a smart |
| your guests are unwilling to eat your food on the | | | | casual dress code. That way your guests can |
| night of your actually dinner party. | | | | make an effort whilst wearing something they |
| The table | | | | enjoy. If you operate a strict no denim, no |
| If anything the food should come second to the | | | | trainers rule then say so on your invitation - if |
| dressing of the table! Create an environment that | | | | your guests are nice people they will be happy to |
| is warm and inviting. You will probably find that, if | | | | oblige. |
| the table is nicely dressed, your guests will be | | | | Why not attribute a theme to your dinner party. |
| more likely to enjoy the meal. Cutlery should be | | | | Create a themed menu and ask your guests to |
| clean and neatly placed and glasses should be | | | | wear a themed outfit. This will break the tension |
| sparkling. A nicely folded napkin goes a long way | | | | amongst your guests and will create a great topic |
| also. | | | | for conversation. |
| Add the wow factor to your table with flowers, | | | | Preparation |
| candles, balloons and sparkles but don't go | | | | The key to a good dinner party is preparation, |
| overboard - they will only get in the way and | | | | preparation, preparation! Get your menu and |
| annoy your guests! | | | | home ready well in advance to minimise panic and |
| Make sure that each of your diners has enough | | | | distress. Remember, a clean home is a happy |
| personal space to enjoy the food without creating | | | | home - so give your place a whip round before |
| great, huge divides. They will want enough room | | | | your guests arrive (there's nothing worse than a |
| to lift their elbows, but will need to be close | | | | dirty loo). If you're less than a dab hand in the |
| enough to others guests to be able to hold an | | | | kitchen then why not hire a restaurant or private |
| intimate dinner conversation. | | | | hire company to arrange the catering for you. |
| Music | | | | That way you can relax and enjoy spending time |
| There's nothing worse than going to a dinner | | | | with your guests rather than spending the entire |
| party and have to eat in silence. Break the tension | | | | night in the kitchen. |