As children, many of us liked to play pretend tea, treating the gathering of friends as a special event. As adults we tend to lose the focus on fun when planning a social gathering, and instead internalize our stress while still attempting to throw a great party. Having friends and family over for any type of party should be a time everyone enjoys, and throwing dinner parties should not cause panic attacks.
The most important rule in dinner party planning is picking a good group. Make sure that the people you have invited all have something to contribute to conversation, and that the attendees will get along. Compiling a list of culturally relevant discussion items before dinner is a good way to ensure that conversation will flow easily.
Here are some tips on throwing the easiest dinner party:
- Ask guests before planning a menu if anyone has allergies or special diets
- Make dishes that are in your wheelhouse, ones that you are comfortable with
- Check your glassware and serve ware inventory, so that you aren't forced to substitute a setting with paper plates
- Prep food beforehand
- Ask guests to bring desserts, so that you don't have to bake anything
- Plan music, create a play list days before
The most important tip is to let go and enjoy! If you are tense and anxious, that feeling will rub off on your guests.
Interesting post! Good to know your easy ways of planning dinner party. Need to arrange one for my family at local NYC venues and have heard a lot about the venue. Hope to make it a great and memorable for everyone.
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