8 Tips for a Dinner Party

Dinner parties are so much fun and I love throwing them. The problem is my poor little kitchen is just that, little. I don’t have a lot of space to do a ton of cooking and we always have to rearrange things to make it work. That doesn’t stop me having them though. Here are 10 tips that I picked up over the years.

1. Take out the trash. Before anyone arrives, take out the trash and any recycling that you have. There should be a clean bag in the trash can. That way the smell of onions or God forbid a dirty diaper is already out the door.  Not to mention the bag will be easier to refill during clean up. 

2. A simple menu. I am with you! I am all about all the different foods I want to make and show off my skills. However, as I said I don’t have the space. So I tend to serve a simple menu that will blow your socks off. While a dinner party is about the food it’s not necessary to do the most complicated dishes. 

3. Think about decor and mood. Candles can be useful depending on the type of dinner party I am having. Normally I take some time to shop party supplies online and in store to see what I may need. I try not to buy a lot of new items but let’s face it there is nothing worse than wanting to create centerpieces only to discover you have to run out the day of the party and buy something.

4. Have plenty of snacks ready. One thing I always do is have plenty of snacks ready and set out through the area. That way as people are still arriving they can have a small snack. I also put out pitchers of water. Snacks are typically pretty simple such as cheese, fruit plates, various nuts, maybe chips. Anything that is simple and won’t make a big mess. 

5. Use any and all spaces available. If the weather is nice I will certainly put the outdoors to good use. We may eat out there or maybe the mingling is done outside on the patio and then we come in to eat. Whatever it takes to ensure everyone is comfortable and not up in my kitchen bumping into me as I finish getting last minute things out.

6. Use the dining table as a buffet. If we aren’t really sitting down for a meal then I certainly use my dining table as the buffet. It seats eight so there is more than enough room for everything and all my guests to walk around. Not all dinner parties are full meals. Some are simply smaller foods that can be eaten sitting on a chair or standing. 

7. Don’t worry if they don’t match. If you plates, silverware, glasses or whatever doesn’t match don’t freak out. Go with the boho flow and use them anyways. Unless it is a super formal party or royalty is coming no one will care. Show off those bowls you found at the thrift store that you love. Just please don’t use paper or plastic ones unless it is a kids party. 

8. Embrace black. When it comes to your clothes, embrace black and darker colors. Anything that won’t show a stain easily if you spill. It will happen and if it is possible to hide it then be prepared. Get creative when it comes to your shoes or your accessories. Wear a bright red lipstick to stand out.

Those are my tips to help make your next dinner party a success. What about you? Do you have any dinner party tips you swear by?