Arranging a dinner party is a bit like coordinating a family holiday. It takes time, effort and pristine organisational skills to make sure that everyone, including the host, enjoys themselves.
Be prepared and start early. Putting out snacks and drinks and getting some music on before your guests arrive is an obvious move, but there’s nothing worse than a host slaving over a hot stove for most of the evening, leaving the visitors to engage in awkward small talk.
While we’re on the topic of the meal, keep things simple. Sure you might be tempted to try some Julia Child-esque dish that you haven’t cooked before. But if spaghetti Bolognese is the extent of your cooking repertoire, then that’s what your guests should eat.
For your table, use a crisp, white tablecloth, white dishes and one bold accent colour to create that “wow” factor.
Serve dessert away from the main table to give your guests time to digest and stretch their legs.
Items such as plates and napkins should already be on display – place them on a drinks cart or a coffee table, leaving only the coffee and sweets to be added.
