Inviting friends and family over for dinner is a great way to re-connect, share and spoil the ones you care about in the comfort of your own home. However putting your best foot and food forward can be quite stressful. Make sure that you are prepared by following our top dinner party tips. Remember: it is all in the detail!
It is not a one size fits all
• Make sure that you are aware of what your guests can and can not eat before-hand.
• Ensure that you have a drinks menu to suit everyone’s preferences and tastes.
• Ask your guests how they would like their red meat to be prepared when they arrive.
Pick the right menu
• Select recipes that you’ve cooked before.
• Select recipes that can be done mostly ahead of time and then “finished” at the last minute quickly (quick sautes) or passively (like in the oven).
• Keep it simple. Maybe choose one “wow” factor dish or learn to make one or two tasty sauces / vinaigrettes that will up the flavor of any dish.
Make a plan
• Make a schedule. You can go as far as a detailed spreadsheet or simply jot down what needs to be done so you don’t forget something
• Here is an example of the sequence of events in your schedule:
1) Prep everything and then clean so your kitchen isn’t a disaster when guests arrive;
2) Set the table;
3) Get out all necessary serving dishes;
4) Shower and primp! That way you’ll be so fresh and so clean when guests arrive.
Remember the Why
• Remember the company is more important than fancy food. A night of awesome food that requires you to slave inside the kitchen all night is not a successful dinner party. Your friends could have just gone to a restaurant on their own to not get to see you.
• If you need to ask for a little help to bring it all together (e.g., a pre-mixed cocktail, an appetizer / dessert contribution), don’t hesitate. Your friends are happy to help.
Don’t forget the toothpicks!
• Remember to take care when doing your table setting – a simple tea light candle can make a big difference to what your table looks like.
• Always have the following on your table: serviettes, water, toothpicks, placemats and different glasses for water, white wine and red wine (if you are serving alcohol) .
Make sure that the things you are about are properly insured. Speak to Indwe today on 0860 13 13 14.