There are certain occasions, such as anniversaries, engagement parties, and clocking the big numbers in one’s life, that call for something more elaborate than a casual get-together with paper cups. During the planning process, you don’t have to do “too much” or go overboard, but adding in a few small details here and there can transform your party from simple and laid-back to elegant and sophisticated.
Below are seven magic tricks to have up your sleeve when aiming for a fancy dinner.
1. Getting Your Guest List Right
Whether you’re hosting a small or large group, deciding on a guest list is the first step in planning your dinner. Choosing the right amount of food, drinks, and even the right venue for your event can be difficult without a set number of guests in mind. Having your guest list sorted also helps you set the scene; knowing who will be arriving gives you the ability to determine the amount of food or drinks your guests will consume and this in turn will influence the menu, and will greatly appeal to them. Aside from that, it gives you the liberty to add place cards according to your guests’ preferences.
2. Planning the Menu
The right food and drinks are essential at any party. The show-stopping dish, whether it’s a pot roast or the right bottle of wine, is one sure way to have your guests talking for months after your dinner. When hosting a dinner, it’s always a good idea to plan a three-course menu, starting with hors d’oeuvres, then the main course, and finally dessert.
Furthermore, it’s critical that you choose the right wine to perfectly complement the meal. After deciding on the menu, if you are unsure about what drinks to serve and when, do some research on what goes well with what and when. Knowing this will help you pair your wine with your meals appropriately. A handy wine opener is an extra tip that is often overlooked; missing this at the beginning of a toast could cause an unnecessary break in the night’s events. It is critical to have an opener, and having more than one is recommended, whether manual or electrical.
3. Right Table Setting
A well-set table is required in order to accomplish the goal of creating an elegant dining space. A properly set table establishes the tone for the entire event, from the tableware that is used to the way that the dishes and cutlery are arranged on the table. The table should have the basics, such as a dinner plate, a salad plate, a knife, and spoons, such as a teaspoon and soup spoon, two forks, a wine glass, a water glass, as well as anything else that is deemed to be essential.
4. Creating the Perfect Ambience
Setting the right mood is critical; in order to achieve this, it is necessary to make use of supplementary elements such as flowers and lighting. Be careful not to overdo it, as we don’t want the scent of the flowers to compete with the aroma of the food; however, including fresh flowers in any setting will add a touch of elegance as well as a pleasant fragrance to the set-up.
Dim lights are encouraged for a fancy set-up; they should not be too dark nor too bright; they should be just low enough to create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Proper lighting always helps to give the right tone to every dinner. A warm glow can be achieved in a room by positioning candles at specific angles.
5. The Right Music
A dinner party without music is lacking something important. Choose an appropriate playlist and play it at the optimal volume to create a setting that is both fun and serene. The music should not be so loud that it drowns out the voices of those having conversations, but it should also not be so soft that it leaves the room feeling lifeless and dry.
6. Get the Bathroom Ready For Guests
In addition to the dining room, your guests are likely to enter the bathroom. As a result, it’s always a good idea to make sure it’s ready for guests to use. You can also make use of scented candles to add a nice aroma to your bathroom. Also, make sure it is clean and tidy, and that you have enough toiletries, lotions, and other personal care items for the night.
7. An Extra Pair of Hands
It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to have an additional set of hands available to help out. When you are the host of a dinner, it is easy to forget that you are also a part of the dinner. As a result, you may spend the entire evening running back and forth between the dining room and the kitchen, which prevents you from enjoying the evening in its entirety. Find yourself an assistant so that the two of you can manage the event together.
If you want to throw the most elegant dinners possible, you should follow the advice that was provided above. The ideal dinner party includes the right combination of delicious food, drinks, friends, and stimulating conversation. Do not forget, you should also treat yourself as a guest, so relax and have some fun at the occasion you’ve worked so hard to plan.
