Planning out the perfect dinner party can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Deciding who to invite, what to cook, and other special touches to ensure your guests have an amazing time needn’t be a hassle. To help you set up a brilliant dinner party, we have set out some tips that are certain to leave you and your guests feeling rewarded at the end. To take the stress out of meal preparation, you can also find recipes and other easy dinner ideas on HelloFresh. Here are some simple tips to host an elegant and modern dinner party.
Guest Lists
The first thing you need to plan is who to invite to your dinner party. When it comes to developing a guest list, you need to consider more than just the value of their company. What are their dietary needs? Are they vegetarians or have any allergies? What are their likes and dislikes when it comes to food, entertainment and décor? By knowing who you plan to invite and what their individual needs are, you can devise recipes and entertainment that are sure to please everyone.
Dinner Menus
Once you know who to invite and the needs and preferences of each guest, you can start to build a list of recipes. If you are planning a good-sized dinner party, you may wish to include several recipes on your menu, including appetisers and desserts. Make sure to include at least one vegetarian option on the menu, as well as alternatives for those with food allergies. Consider adding cocktails or pairing meals with certain wines. The more options available on the menu, the more impressed your guests will be.
You could even add a touch of surprise by arranging a monthly cookie delivery to keep the memories of the evening alive long after it's over. This little gesture can turn a single night of enjoyment into a delightful, ongoing treat for your guests.
Useful Recipe Ideas
Rather than stressing for hours creating highly complex gourmet recipes, try these simple but elegant dinner ideas:
- Steak and Lobster – This restaurant favourite can easily be prepared at home without going over budget.
- Chicken Parmesan – Tender chicken fillets surrounded by a crunchy breadcrumb crust are always a hit with guests.
- Homemade Pasta – Freshly made pasta is always a great choice, and it can be used in both meat-based and vegetarian dishes.
- Italian Meatballs – Thick and juicy, traditional Italian meatballs are an excellent choice, especially when paired with homemade pasta.
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake – A delicious, creamy and fruity dessert that is the perfect finale for any dinner.
Party Themes
Another factor you need to consider for your dinner party is the theming. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want and will dictate everything from decorations and costumes to what recipes and entertainment are used. Perhaps you plan on a dinner party set around a certain time period, like the Renaissance or the Roaring 20s, or maybe a theme based on a location, such as the Mediterranean or South Pacific. Whatever you choose, stick with it and don’t chop and change. Make sure to keep everything in line with whatever theme you decide on.
Music Playlists
As mentioned, whatever music or activities you select for your dinner party should match the overall theme. Consider creating a music playlist ahead of time to help set the scene: perhaps opera for an Italian theme or light acoustic guitar for a Spanish or Mexican theme. Remember to consider the tastes of your guests as well, and try to choose a selection of songs most likely to enhance the mood of the night. Make it upbeat when guests are arriving or chatting but softer and more discreet during dinner. This should evoke the appropriate mood, enabling guests to feel comfortable, relaxed and ready to enjoy the dinner party.
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