How to Host A Dinner Party

Planning to host a dinner party and you are worried about all the planning. I understand that it is a highly stressful affair. Check out this easy to follow, dinner party planning checklist to make your planning organized with a touch of perfection.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. A couple Of weeks Prior to the Dinner Party:
   
   - Determine the reason of hosting the party and who will be on the guest list. Some entertainment experts advocate starting with no more than six to eight guests.
   
   - Decide on a style or theme for your dinner party. Whether it would be a formal or a casual dinner party.
   
   - Decide on the date,time and place. Pick a date for your dinner party which will allow you to prepare in a relaxed manner.
   
   - Make a budget and be ready with your guest list.
   
   - Decide when you plan to send out the invitations.
   
   - If you wish you can also center your dinner party around a holiday or an occasion.

2. 3 To 4 weeks Before The Dinner Party: This is the right time to start thinking about the food and decorations for you exotic dinner party.
   
   - Make a list of items you would want to be included in your menu.
   Make a grocery list accordingly.
   
   - Decide on the table settings and the theme you would want for your decorations.
   
   - Decide on the seating arrangements. Seat your guests in such a way that they are at comfort and allow easy socializing.
   
   - If you want you might also want to do some research work on good caterers and bartenders. Of course if you don't plan to cook all by yourself.
   
   - Get ready with the list of things you will need for table settings and decorations. It could include candles, tablewares, balloons etc.
   
   - Decide on the type of drinks you will serve at the party.
   
   - Send out the invitations. So that you may receive RSVP's on time.

3. 10 days before the Dinner party: By now you must have received the RSVP's and now you know who will be their at the party.
   
   - Time for shopping. Pick all those grocery list, decorations list and move on or place orders.
   
   - Don't forget to by some use and throw paper plates.
   
   - Make arrangements for the drinks. You might want to place the order.
   
   - Buy gas or charcoal for the grill, if needed.
   
   - Get on to housecleaning
   
   - And yes do not forget to decide upon you party outfit. Leaving this for last minute will make you more confused and can even ruin your party.

4. 1 or 2 days before the party:
   
   - Just 2 days left for the party. This is the right time to start with the food preparations and cleaning the serving ware.
   
   - Make all arrangements if you planning for some games at your party. Don't leave this task for the last day.
   
   - Pick up any dry cleaning needed for the party
   
   - Setting up your tablescape one day before the party is a good idea.

5. On the Dinner Party Day:
   
   - Finish with the final cleaning of the house. Preferably in the early hours of the day, you might want to wake up a little early that day.
   
   - Create a bar area and organize your kitchen.
   
   - Now relax and have a glass of wine and get ready for the party.

Tips & Warnings

• Following this simple checklist will keep you relaxed. And a relaxed mood will make you one of the best host and your guests will love you for being so organized.

Resources

• How To Host A Dinner Party – A Complete Checklist

[FrazzledNanny]

on 1/12/2009 Great article. Good tips. Thanks. :)