Dinner Parties 

Fine food, wine, company, conversation and music blending together for the perfect evening's entertainment can be accomplished by inviting a few friends round for a small, intimate get together. So why not have a go?

So where do you start?

It all comes down to planning really, because no matter what type of event it is, it simply won't run smoothly without a little planning. So the first thing is, be prepared.

1. The People

The most important part of any successful dinner party is having happy guests.

Try not to think too hard about conflicting characters or people not getting on because it all makes for an exciting night. Don't invite more people than you can cope with. It's very easy to invite too many people because you don't want to offend anyone by leaving them out. You can always have another party and a nice intimate atmosphere is the key to a successful evening.

2. Menu

Think carefully about your guests likes, dislikes and possible dietary habits. Not everyone likes duck a l'orange or thinks that you're Swindon's answer to Ainsley Harriot. Be adventurous but don't go overboard because it is not a culinary competition.

So get out your old recipe books and plan your menu - and then get shopping!

Remember that fresh items should be bought on the day so having a dinner party on a Saturday night is the best option for having the time to do the shopping and the cooking.

3. Setting the Table

Boy, girl, boy, girl. Keeping it simple is the best way and making sure that there are enough wineglasses on the table is a definite must for a convivial atmosphere. Getting the right knives and forks is also quite useful. And don't forget some fresh flowers on the table but don't go mad. No one wants to be talking through the amazon rain forest all evening.

A table plan with names is always a good idea as well, so that your guests mix properly and feel a little bit more special.

4. Setting the Mood

A little soft music in the background always helps with relaxing your guests. Meat Loaf or Iron Maiden may not quite add to the party atmosphere.

5. Arrival

Put the music on, put the peanuts out, set the lights and greet your guest with open arms. If they have brought some white wine then get it in the fridge straight away ready for later on. Stuffing their coats and jackets in the cupboard under the stairs is not a good idea because some people are very particular about creases in their Sunday best, so placing them on the bed upstairs is always a good idea.

And get a drink in their hand!

For the adventurous type offering cocktails can be great fun but most probably one or more of your guests will be driving so make sure you've got plenty of soft drinks ready.

6. Timing

This really comes from planning your menu properly because co-ordinating all the different courses and keeping the food hot can be a problem if you've made it all a bit too complicated. A dress rehearsal may not be a bad thing for piece of mind. And if you are really scared about getting it right, why not call in the experts and get an outside caterer to do it all for you. undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined

7. After Dinner

Percolate the coffee, get out the After-Eights and think up a funny joke or story. Party games are also tremendous fun but beware of things getting too out of hand. The licking of thick and creamy yogurt off of someone you've never met before can be embarrassing the morning after, not to mention on the trip home!