The Ten "Do's"in planning a dinner party & a little bit of etiquette, too:)

Are you in a supper club, or occasionally want to have a group of friends over for dinner, but then you become dumbfounded on exactly “what” to do? We all ask ourselves…”who do we invite?”…”what do I cook?”… “do I provide wine ?”…”what do I even wear?!” Well, all of these “do” questions are just tiny obstacles you have to cross to throw a perfect dinner party that you & all of your friends are sure to enjoy! There are also certain rules when you’re invited to a dinner party, too.

#1. WHO TO INVITE: If you’re the one throwing the party decide if you want it to be a girl’s night, girl & guy friends, or couples. Then, make a list of who to invite. Things to think of when you’re making this list: You of course want to invite a group of people who are friends & sure to get along. A dinner party with people who clash, or who start heated debates are sure to ruin everyone’s time. Make your night lively & as stress free as possible! Another thing to consider is if you have friends that you have wanted to introduce to a particular group of your friends & who you think they would mesh well with. Maybe you have a new friend in town or have met someone that’s new to the area? A group of 6-12 is always a good # to keep it intimate, and if you invite 12 you can usually count on around 8 to be able to make it.

#2. HOW MUCH NOTICE & DATES: If this is an actual party or shower, you should always send out the invitations 4-6 weeks in advance so people can check their calendars, & if any of your friends are at the kiddo stage they can check for a babysitter.
If you’re the one going to the party always make sure to R.S.V.P by the deadline so the host/hostess has plenty of time to know how much food to provide, etc. And, if it is a formal party make sure to check to see if you were invited to bring a guest or just to go solo. And, come on, going solo isn’t so bad, you’re more likely to find a new single boy/girl to talk to & have the chance to date than bring your best guy or girl friend! Flirt a little : )

If you’re just having over a small group of close friends, use your own judgment on how much advance notice you should give. E-vites are always an easy inexpensive way to get the word out for a last minute get together. Or, a text is the quickest of course!

#3. WHAT TO COOK: When trying to decide what to cook, consider the crowd you’re inviting, and most importantly YOUR BUDGET. Do you want to make it a pot luck or go all out? An easy go to is Mexican…everyone loves it & it’s so easy to find a no-stress recipe. If you want it to be more formal, but still not too pricey pick something like kabobs with all the fixin’s, or an inexpensive fish like tilapia with fresh mango salsa, brown rice, and a fresh green salad.

Whatever you do, make sure to have hors d’oeuvres for your guests as they arrive & if you’re providing cocktails offer them a drink as well.

#4. SHOULD I PROVIDE COCKTAILS/BEER/WINE??? : My recommendation is to have a punch or margaritas of some sort. Or, if it is a special holiday change it up a bit & make a dessert cocktail/martini. Pick something that goes with your overall theme for dinner. If guests ask if they should “byob” say “I will have punch/margaritas available, but if you have a preference feel free to bring what you’d like.” It’s as simple as that, and then you will still have something to offer your guests upon arrival.

#5. HOSTESS/HOST GIFT: In my opinion, no one should ever go empty handed to a dinner party. Always offer to help prepare an appetizer, side dish, or if the host/hostess might want you to provide a dessert. If they say no then just bring some sort of little trinket for a gift or a bottle of wine is always a good go-to. For a really inexpensive idea, a cute cork stopper for wine or, cute/funny cocktail napkins, or even the Styrofoam cups for their favorite college football team…woo pig!

#6. WHAT TO WEAR: If you’re the host/hostess you want to look cute for your party! And, you know that at least 4 of your girlfriends are bound to call & ask “what are you wearing?” or “what is your husband/boyfriend/date wearing?” Again, choose this upon what feel you’re going for. If you’re going for an outdoor barbecue with horseshoes on a hot summer day go for flats & a sundress…if you’re going for a nice dinner in door’s dress up jeans with heels & a nice top, or a cute maxi dress...you know what to do! If it’s for Valentine’s Day or a Christmas party go ALL OUT. But always be prepared to know this answer : )

#7. GAME PLAN: If you’re a game type person come up with something fun for your guests to do. You don’t have to play a game, but if the conversation starts to die down or people stop mingling you always want a back-up plan!

MOST IMPORTANTLY: have MUSIC playing. Pick the mood you want & make a playlist prior to the party! A dinner party with no music is a LOSER party!

#8. PRESENTATION: Come on…you have put all of this effort into having your friends over for a nice evening & you want everything to be put together & somewhat impressive! BIG NO NO: Don’t open up a pre-made dish & keep it in the container…don’t sit out salad dressing bottles, ketchup bottles…you get my point:) If it’s an outdoor barbecue or SUPER casual dinner that is the only exception. If you don’t have nice dishes/platters ask a friend to provide a few if you know they have some or even buy matching cute paper plates that are inexpensive. Have fun with it!!!

#9. GRATITUDE: If you’re the host/hostess & someone brought you a bottle of wine, etc., say some sort of thank you. I don’t think a thank you in the good ole’ snail mail is completely necessary, but drop them an email saying “thanks.” And, if you were invited to the party drop the host/hostess an email complimenting them on the night & what a great time you had…even if you didn’t : ) hehe.

#10. HAVE FUN: Enjoy the party whether you’re the one hosting it or not!!! You probably haven’t seen a lot of these people in a long time, or you have only gotten to talk to them by phone or email because of everyone’s hectic schedule. After dinner, kick back & quit worrying! You have done your part & all of your friends are more than anything, just happy to be together.

Now that you know the 10 steps to throwing a proper & not to mention rockin’ dinner party…why are you still readying this? Get to planning!!!