Dinner Party How To

I love hosting guests for any occasion/meal.  I usually host brunch or dinner for anywhere from one other person to a crowd of 20.  Here are a few tips that I try to stick to, to make sure that I have repeat customers!

-Know your guests.  Know their allergies, loves, likes, etc.  I have a few friends with allergies, so I cater meals to their health concerns.  Making pasta for someone who has a gluten allergy can make the evening a nightmare, so I try to get gluten free ingredients, or just make a meal with protein! 
-Invite your guests early so you can get RSVPS, shop, etc.  I try to stick to Saturday/Sunday, as weekdays can be busy with work.  Plus if there are kids/babysitters in the mix, folks need to plan ahead.  Invite via phone, email, or written invite in the mail.
-Creating the menu.  I always stick to a theme.  For a Sunday evening meal, I might make a pot roast, and for a Sunday brunch, I may have an array of items to choose from buffet style.  Either way, I inform my guests of what I am making.  This way if they want to bring a dish or a dessert, they know what to pick up! 
-The day before the party, get the house ready for your guests. Clean, clean, clean.  Ensure all flatware is ready to go for your event!
-Prepare as much of the meal as possible in the morning. In between food preparation, you can focus on decorating the house, setting out flowers and making sure the dining area is clean and ready.  Set a tablescape.  Don't light candles, as the smell may mix with the food.  Light them after the food is done and people are done eating.  This way, your food smell will be the highlight!
-Start setting out appetizers and drinks just before guests begin to arrive. Turn on music to create background noise during the mingling portion of your party!
-Dessert.  I always have dessert that goes with the meal, whether it is a healthy option, or just plain indulgent.

Some recent meals I have made:

Sunday Dinner

• Pot Roast
• Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Corn
• Crescent Rolls
• Apple Pie

Friday Dinner

• Baked Ziti
• Salad
• French Bead/EVOO/Spices (I use Delalo Spices for dipping)
• Gelato

Sunday Brunch

• Monkey Bread
• Breakfast Casserole
• Blueberry muffins
• Fresh Fruit
• Mimosas (I prefer Chandon champagne)
• Bloody Mary's (I prefer Mrs. T's mix)
  Coffee (assortment of Keurig coffees)