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Step 1
Decide on the type of New England-style dinner. For instance, both clambakes and the traditional dinner are in the New England style but considerably different. The first consists mainly of seafood, and the other poultry or game.
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Step 2
Determine the number of guests you're inviting so you can prepare enough for everyone. For instance, if you choose the traditional-style New England dinner, you may boil potatoes. A good idea is to have as many potatoes as people eating them, plus one for the pot. If you host eight dinner guests, boil nine potatoes.
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Step 3
Plan the menu after you determine the type of dinner you're preparing. For a clambake choose food you can steam, like potatoes, corn veggie compote and seafood. Usually a clambake includes lobster and clams, but shrimp and other fish are acceptable. For a traditional dinner, clam chowder, boiled cabbage, potatoes, dinner rolls and a turkey, ham or roast is key.
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Step 4
Write a grocery list and give yourself a couple of days to prepare. This will ensure you don't forget anything when you go shopping. If you do forget something, you will have time to retrieve it with no last-minute time constraints.
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Step 5
Create the backdrop for your New England-style dinner. Clam and starfish centerpieces, vinyl tablecloths and lobster bibs are great décor for a clambake, inside or out. For a traditional-style dinner, fruit cornucopias, cloth napkins and candles set the mood.
