Dinner parties can be a lot of work. From creating invitations and tracking RSVPs, to menus and table settings, it can leave you so stressed out and anxious you can’t even enjoy the night you worked so hard to create. Here are five tips for making it memorable while maintaining your composure and sanity:
- Establish the Three W’s: the who, what, and whys.
- Who’s invited? Adults, teens, children? Families with all ages needing to be accommodated? Or a group of friends of similar ages and interests?
- Why are you throwing the party? Is it a holiday, celebration, or just because?
- What kind of party is it? Formal? Festive? Playful?
Once you’ve established the basic reasons, it’s time to get specific.
- Create a theme: this can be as simple as a color scheme or vibe you want to create—classic, boho, holiday, all white, country chic—the options are almost limitless. Once you’ve picked it, own it and stick to it. Less is more if less is cohesive.
- Build a menu: if you are clear on tips one and two, the menu should lead you in a specific direction. If it’s a holiday, build your menu around that. If it’s a celebration for someone special, their likes should play a strong role in the menu chosen.
- Make sure multiple menu items aren’t needing your attention at the same time. Some items should be precooked or served chilled.
- Pre plan whether it’s a coursed out meal or served family or buffet style. This affects how it’s eaten as well as how the table is set. Centerpieces are minimal if the food platters are filling up the middle of the table. If you want eye catching centerpieces, a buffet table or counter would be a smart alternative. A menu served in courses will need a person or people to both plate the food and deliver it to the table.
- Create a beautiful table: the first thing people notice once in your home is the table and you want it to be set with a wow factor. Start with a simple concept and build from there. If it’s a themed party, add colors and decor items that pair with that theme. Get creative. Household items make fantastic decorations. And don’t forget your own backyard.
Get creative. Household items make fantastic decorations. And don’t forget your own backyard. Greenery, flowers, and pine cones can be arranged in small vases, placed along the center of the table, or wrapped with napkins for special touches.
- Greenery, flowers, and pine cones can be arranged in small vases, placed along the center of the table, or wrapped with napkins for special touches. Mason jars make great drinking glasses and an eclectic mix of plates and bowls can be fun if matching plates for everyone aren’t available. The table can be set hours before the party starts, so get those details out of the way early in the day.
- Know your limitations: if you aren’t a cook or a decorator, get help. This can range from a private chef or caterer cooking the meal in your home to assigning someone to grab food to go from a favorite restaurant and transferring it to attractive serving dishes. With decor, if Pinterest is just making you feel more overwhelmed and under qualified, enlist a creative friend or hire a pro to take those details off your plate. (Bad pun intended; we couldn’t help it.)
Washington County is filled with professionals who specialize in creating memorable dinner parties. We at Make A Scene are one of those options. If you have a special event coming up, reach out soon and let us create something you and your guests will never forget.
Maria Simpson
An avid runner, hiker and creative..Maria has her hands full in many different things all across Southern Utah including her events business, Make a Scene Events.
