The Art of the Dinner Party
There is an art to throwing dinner parties. From guest list to menu, whether to do it inside or out, table setting and conversation there are many things for the host and/or hostess to juggle. Virginia Wolf wrote one of her best works all about this topic - well almost. Mrs. Dalloway tells the story of one day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway from morning to night, as she prepares a dinner party that evening. But this article is not about Virginia Wolf or literature at all. This article is about how to throw a great dinner party.
Guest list:
You'll first want to decide how many people you can handle. For starters how big is your table? And how much cooking do you want to do? Some hosts like to do separate dinner parties for specific groups of friends or sides of the family, while others like to mix it up a little. If you are going to mix friends and family, then at the very least combine people who you think will get along for one reason or another. Perhaps they have the same interests, work in the same industry or would just generally get a kick out of each other.
Menu:
Dinner parties are always a good time to try out new recipes, but also times when you want to stick to what you know to avoid total disaster. Maybe you can do both? Experiment with a starter or desert and then prepare a main that you've done before. Verify food preferences and allergies with your guests before they come and try to serve something seasonal. After all people usually don't want to eat fondue in the summer nor do they want gazpacho in the winter.
Setting:
If weather permits, there are few things lovelier than having an outdoor dinner party. Set up your dining table with all that it needs, including an umbrella if the sun is strong. You can serve fresh, seasonal food and rose wine. If guests stay late provide them with light blankets, or if you have a fire pit, sit around it while you finish your wine and roast marshmallows.
Conversation is a difficult one to plan, and with guests you will never have control over it. It is always nice though, when a host is relaxed, friendly and encouraging of their friends to meet and chat with one another.
About the Author
Zesti Furniture has a range of products for both indoor and outdoor comfort. Zesti design and manufacture a range of timeless and elegant products to suit every shady spot, patio or terrace. The design of our furniture is second to none. For more on outdoor dining set visit http://www.zestifurniture.co.uk/sets/8-seater-sets
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