Putting on a dinner party involves all sorts of preparations: choosing the right food and dining atmosphere, selecting the people to invite, making sure that you have all of the necessary supplies, etc.

We all hope to provide a wonderful and satisfying drinking and dining experience for our guests. That can seem like a daunting task when you are struggling to just adequately cover all of the bases. Here are a few things you can do to help ensure your dinner party is a smashing success.

Choose a Theme

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a few friends over for dinner and drinks, but you can make the occasion so much more special if you add a theme. It can relate to something that is occurring either in your family or the community, or it could simply be something that everyone attending enjoys.

For example, you can have your own “dinner and a movie” night with cuisine appropriate to the film you are going to run. You might even cook up something that the characters in the movie enjoy!

Plan Your Menu

Think about foods that complement each other, while also adding some variety. Don’t pair up extremes like, say, lobster tails and chocolate covered bacon, but also don’t have too many of the same thing. Make sure that your schedule also allows you plenty of time with your guests.

Conduct an informal survey amongst people you plan to invite in order to get some ideas. This is also a way that you can solicit information about possible food allergies and any accommodations you might need to make.

Don’t Overdo the Alcohol

Have the right wine and other liquor on hand for those interested, but make sure that people do not have too many drinks before they have at least had a few appetizers. Feeling slightly buzzed is relaxing and fun, but too much alcohol on an empty stomach is trouble for some people.

Keep Things Moving Along

There is nothing wrong with spending time with your guests—after all, that is the main reason they are coming over! However, there can be a fine line between being an attentive host and making sure that everything is running smoothly in the kitchen. If you think you need help with that balance, seek it out in advance.

Before the first guest arrives, ensure that you have arranged for adequate help behind the scenes. Just because you are putting on the dinner party does not mean that you should be doing everything yourself! Pay attention to how your guests are interacting and periodically ask if everyone is ready for the next course. Being an attentive—but not pushy—host creates the right atmosphere for keeping everyone entertained and properly served.

Don’t Skimp on Dessert

It can be tempting after so many preparations to just plop some vanilla ice cream on a plate and pass that around for dessert. Don’t forget that dessert is the treat of any dinner—it might be the only time this week when guests watching their figure get to indulge. Whether you decide on an old standby like mousse or trifle, or something way out there, like chocolate pasta or deep friend Mars bars, provide a sweet and satisfying finish for your meal that leaves everyone full and happy.

You also need the right appliances to keep up with your kitchen needs, whether it is for a three course dinner party or just Saturday morning breakfast with the family. Visit Danby’s online appliance showroom now to see our latest models and their specifications!

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