Innate Entertaining
If youve always been slightly envious of friends who appear to have effortless entertaining down to a fine art, youre not alone. But you dont need to be a superhero or have servants below stairs to create an excellent evening; its all about planning and organisation.
Guests
Think carefully about whom youre inviting. Although it can be boring if everyone has the same career or viewpoints, having a veal farmer and PETA activist at the same table may turn your sophisticated dinner party into a war zone. Go for an interesting mix but one where this is at least some common ground. A good number to start with is eight: not too many to make catering a problem, yet enough guests to keep the conversation flowing.
Menu
You will need to cater for any dietary requirements and if you do separate dishes, this will add to your workload. If possible, avoid the no-go items altogether in your menu. There are plenty of free-from recipes on the internet. Keep your menu simple. Youre not competing for Masterchef and provided all courses are freshly prepared using local produce, and without relying too heavily on processed foods, your guests should be impressed. If youd like to add a wow factor, try an impressive dessert and practise making it a couple of times before your party. Choose dishes that you can at least partially prepare ahead, so you can spend more time with your guests. Fillet steak is popular but remember not everyone will want it cooking for the same length of time.
Drinks
Its nice to have something special to offer guests when they arrive. This could be a simple cocktail, kir royale or sangria. Remember to have virgin alternatives, so everyone is included. Although wine pairing is the ideal, many people ignore this custom and drink whatever type they prefer, regardless of whether theyre having fish or beef. So dont be offended if no one wants your vintage muscatel with the pudding. Keep glasses topped up but not to the extent that someone is guzzling an entire bottle. The aim is for a pleasant evening and not to get your guests off their faces. Have water jugs on the table, as this should encourage some people to dilute the alcohol. After dinner, offer a brandy or amaretto liqueur to have with coffee.
Military Operation
Lists and timetables are key. Make a shopping list of recipe ingredients, beverages (include non-alcoholic), ice for drinks, bread and nibbles. Work out a timetable starting the day before, to allow for anything that can be done in advance. Include tasks such as setting the table, ironing napkins, checking the glasses for chips, polishing, etc. Print off your recipes and stick them up at eye level, so theyre easier to read. Tick off ingredients and steps as you go; its all too easy to forget something. And dont forget to allow time for you to relax and dress to impress.
Killer Table
When its time to sit down, all eyes will be on your table, which should look incredible. Hopefully you have an extending table, such as this Rustic Solid Oak Dining Table, so you can adjust it; the space should be intimate without guests bumping elbows. The setting should be simple yet elegant. A table cloth (or runner with table mats) and napkins are essential, with a small table decoration or candles. If youre unsure how to set a formal table, here is a useful site to help with this and other dinner etiquette conundrums.
By planning ahead, making sensible choices and keeping yourself organised, hosting a dinner party should be a piece of cake.