| First things first: What exactly is a "Gourmet | | | | flowers positioned in the center. Are you in the |
| Dinner Party?" | | | | mood for a red themed meal now? Simple |
| A gourmet home dinner party is typically an | | | | additions such as table cloths, flowers, candles, a |
| event that revolves around a 5-course meal with | | | | bowl of fresh fruit, or even uniquely shaped jars |
| 4 or more guests. The meal follows a common | | | | of pickled peppers visually stimulate your guests' |
| theme which is accented by the table and room | | | | brains and get them in the right mood. Let's say |
| decor as well as background music and guest | | | | that you are hosting a German themed dinner |
| attire. | | | | party to celebrate your recent trip and share |
| The 5-course meal will usually include an appetizer, | | | | your experiences with friends; why not use your |
| salad, soup, main course/entree, and dessert | | | | trip photo album as the centerpiece on your table. |
| along with optional cocktail and wine-pairings. It is | | | | It's simple, available, and just begs to be opened |
| very popular to serve an appropriate wine | | | | which will help get the conversation and stories |
| alongside the main course, and then to provide a | | | | flowing! |
| lingering after dinner cocktail to stimulate | | | | Have you ever noticed the way that certain |
| conversation. | | | | songs make you feel carefree and festive while |
| The meal theme can be based around any | | | | other songs put you in a romantic mood? Use this |
| common thread you wish to weave throughout | | | | knowledge of musical response to your |
| the evening. I have hosted entire dinner parties | | | | advantage! If you want to mimic the feel of a |
| based around the unique presentation of a single | | | | secluded Parisian cafe, then play some Carla Bruni |
| ingredient present in each course of the meal. A | | | | or Vincent Delerm faintly in the background. |
| fun approach is to choose an international theme | | | | To bring the effect of the theme 360 degrees, |
| or pick a specific country around which you can | | | | make sure your guests know beforehand what |
| plan your delectable dishes. For a challenge, try | | | | the theme is and what they should wear. A |
| using a specific color as your theme. Red, for | | | | Kentucky Derby dinner party would not be |
| example, might involve dishes with sun dried and | | | | complete without the guests arriving in huge |
| fresh tomatoes, beets, apples, pomegranates, red | | | | fancy hats and possibly a lady's fan in hand. A |
| peppers, watermelon, cranberries, blood oranges, | | | | few tips for a Spain inspired dinner would be to |
| red onions, red cabbage, strawberries, raspberries, | | | | braid your hair into an up do, wear a large flower |
| and a dessert such as red velvet cake! The | | | | pinned above your ear, and toss a colorful shawl |
| possibilities are endless. | | | | around your shoulders. I've even had a male |
| However, the key to hosting a dinner party that | | | | guest show up at one of my Mexico themed |
| is truly a notch above the rest is to pay close | | | | parties dressed as Zorro! It sure made for some |
| attention to the non-food details. Sitting down at | | | | great pictures! |
| your normal dinner table does not make the | | | | Regardless of the dinner party theme you pick |
| event feel special or out of the ordinary. But | | | | and how far you decide to take it, just |
| imagine sitting down at the same table with a | | | | remember to have fun and make memories! |
| deep rouge tablecloth and a vase of bright white | | | | Cheers! |