Spring is approaching and our thoughts turn to what shall we do on a lovely long weekend away from the normal workload. Why not get your weekend off to a joyful start by hosting a delicious dinner party? Either inside or (if the temperatures start to rise) perhaps outside with the help of a firepit and some atmospheric outdoor lighting?
Use this simple guide to help you plan a memorable afternoon or evening with friends and family. Helpful advice on making it appear effortless and stress-free so that you can enjoy it too. Be inspiring to your guests with a truly captivating table setting. Considered decorations, tasty recipes, and much more to make it a truly magical experience for you and your guests.
Being prepared is often the name of the game when it comes to hosting. Don’t leave everything until the last minute and don’t feel the need to overdo it. Your guests will be more at ease and impressed if you are composed and have the time to welcome them.
Prepare a signature dish and side dishes for your dinner party
We are not all the next Delia Smith, Mary Berry, Jamie Oliver or Joel Robuchon. But I bet you all have at least one signature dish that you can make confidently and could be sure it’s served beautifully and be the perfect crowd-pleaser. Perhaps challenge yourself and just make one tweak or add a different side dish or serve in an unexpected way so it feels different. If you normally plate up each component perhaps this time use a large serving bowl as it is always difficult to guess portions. Importantly consider things that can be largely prepped before your guests arrive so that you can spend more time with them.
Brightly coloured serving plates, platters and bowls make a real statement bringing vibes of the med! Why not fill bowls with vibrant salads or an abundance of pasta, be generous and really celebrate with your guests, they will appreciate it.
I love ‘dig in’ style dining. Where big bowls and platters laden with rustic hearty food are placed on the table and the host says “dig in!” as they pop a cork and open the wine. This casual approach allows guests to feel relaxed and not forced into having to eat something they don’t like.
Make sure to take into consideration allergies and dietary restrictions if any of your guests have any. When selecting dishes, also consider ones that can easily be made ahead of time. For example, frittatas and quiches are simple to make but look fancy and can be served at room temperature. As for side dishes, roasted or new potatoes, perhaps a seasonal salad with little luxury additions such as asparagus or truffles, work well!
Another alternative is a Charcuterie Board. These are becoming more and more popular and can unleash your creative side. Prepared in advance then served and presented on a wooden board or slab it can be eaten on the go if your party is less formal and easy the washing up. Consisting of a selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, dips, fruits and bread it can be tweaked to your guest’s needs. The colours will be vibrant and inviting and is a great modern twist on the boring buffet.
To finish, what will have already been a fabulous evening, keep things simple with a couple of ‘naughty but nice’ supermarket puds on a novel plate partnered with lashings of mixed fruit tossed in a bowl. Oh and don’t forget the cheeky jug of cream to allow your guests to help themselves or perhaps for the savoury ones amongst us, offer a small cheeseboard. Combined with port this is always a crowd-pleaser and will impress even the most stuffy of visitors.
Select a theme to match the menu for your dinner party
Choosing a theme for your dinner party can help bring the menu items together and make it easier to select recipes, decorations, and atmosphere. Lighting and music to suit the mood can also help set the scene. It can also make for more conversation and instantly makes your guest feel special.
Be it Indian, Mexican, Greek, Italian, something seasonal or perhaps a more unusual theme. Such as colour or a decade can all go towards helping your focus and inspire you to create something fabulous. For example, if you’re hosting an Easter brunch, think of a classic spring theme. Decorate a springtime tree or choose pastel colours that match the season. This could include colourful eggs, flowers, bunnies, napkins and the like.
Most times you’ll want a less obviously themed tablescape. Investing in natural materials and place settings allows you the opportunity to style things up no matter the season. Classic linens and rattan can look spring fresh with the addition of a few fresh (or faux) flowers. Yet in the dark winter months dark foliage and candles warm the look. Even Christmas time looks perfect with natural neutral colours.
I’m not a fan of tablecloths as it makes more washing than I want. However, you’ll need some way of protecting your tabletop if it’s not heat resistant. Place mats are the solution as they not only protect the table top but look pretty too! I also like to team with a posh dinner napkin as guests are always impressed and feel the event is upmarket with fabric rather than paper serviettes.
Essential Items To Style Up The Dining Table
Set the table in style
Adding a decorative touch to your tables or countertops can be the perfect way to make everyone feel at home. Choose tablecloths (if that’s your thing), runners and napkins in coordinating colours that will bring the tablescape together! Top with some unique serving ware and beautiful glassware that will add texture and depth to the room. Foliage should be seasonal. You could have a collection of faux blooms in a natural colourway as these little beauties seem to transcend the seasons.
Recipe Ideas For A Special Dinner Party.
- Sharing platters or charcuterie boards
- The veggie/vegan option as even the humble meat eater likes to sample the alternatives
- A hearty stew
- Cheese Board
The smell of success
I don’t know about you but one of my major concerns about any visitors to my home is the bathroom. Everyone will visit it whilst they are in your home and it definitely deserves an extra cleaning just before everyone arrives.
Whether you have opted for opulent, modern, fun or simple style in your bathroom it is the one room that is so easily taken for granted. Simple additions such as some dried flowers, some coastal accessories or even just a new bath mat. Oh and not forgetting the all-important beautiful scent; candles and reed diffusers are an absolute must. Some soft fluffy towels combined with plenty of toilet rolls and soap will make for a pleasant experience. These little touches show you care as much about the smallest room in the house as the bigger picture of a grand dinner.
Bedroom Makeover Masterclass
Lastly, be prepared for the unexpected dinner guest who may stay overnight! It is important that all the attention to detail you have shown throughout your socialising can spill over into their overnight stay. With guest towels on the bed and fresh bedding to rest their head on. They may have overindulged so it’s crucial for calming colours to warm and invite them to relax when not in their own bed. Even if they don’t notice in the evening, they are sure to remark in the morning over breakfast. People love to be spoilt and considered. So be prepared with a snuggly throw or simply provide 2 pillows rather than just one. It saves the embarrassment of them having to ask and will help them get a ‘just like home’ sleep.
Perhaps this all does seem like a lot of effort but be assured that it is all worth it. It may make them up their game when you get a return to invite to theirs!
Just remember preparation is the Key to success.