The Insider's Guide to Dinner Parties

Hello, my name is Harry and I have been inspired to start this blog by some of my recent experiences in the kitchen. I will be honest with you, I have never really been much of a cook. However, all that changed when my granddaughter came to stay with me. She is a teenager who loves to cook and she insisted that old grandpa Harry joins her in the kitchen. She taught me how to prepare various dishes such as finger foods and dessert cakes. I really enjoyed learning to cook and since then I have been reading books about it and teaching myself.

The Insider's Guide to Dinner Parties

The Insider's Guide to Dinner Parties

18 September 2017
 Categories:
, Blog


Throwing a dinner party doesn't always have to cause anxiety. With the right amount of planning and a little knowledge, you can create an event that's a hit.

Request RSVPs and dietary requirements

When you send out the invites, make sure you provide a clear date for RSVPs. In an age where most people are food aware, it's a major faux pas to ignore dietary requirements. As such, make it clear that you're happy to accommodate unique needs.

Overstock on the items you need

Whether you're hosting your dinner party at home or at a restaurant, overstocking on the items you need is essential. This is especially true for wine. When you're placing an order with the restaurant your party is at, consider either creating an open bar tab or buying more wine than you think you need. This saves the embarrassment of running out.

Offer enticing appetizers and deserts

Once you're aware of who's attending and what their dietary requirements are, start thinking about appetizers and desserts. Today, creating gluten-free options is relatively easy. Vegans, however, are sometimes more difficult to cater for. While it's tempting to hope they'll feel happy with bland alternatives, this is essentially a snub. If you're struggling for ideas, ask your caterer to pitch some of their best creations before deciding on the menu.

Craft a winning table plan

When you're hosting dinner parties, taking a slap-dash approach to the table plan is a big no-no. Take a look at your guests and try to decide who will mingle well. Attempt to get a conversation flowing or encourage new acquaintances. You want people to walk away from your dinner party feeling as though they gained something from the experience.

Consider a sorbet course

While it may seem a little old-fashioned to refresh the guests' palette between courses, it's a charming trick that'll have them talking for days. The traditional French palette cleansers also combat heartburn, which means they're a great addition to any dinner party where there are lots of rich foods. 

Make sure your wine pairing is accurate

You and your guests probably have your own favourite wines. However, as any wine lover knows, wine pairing is about much more than finding one you love and plonking it on the table. Either seek advice from a sommelier or ask your caterer.

With forward planning and advice from the right experts, you'll create a dinner party that'll have people talking for years to come. 

About Me
Finger Foods and Other Delights

Hello, my name is Harry and I have been inspired to start this blog by some of my recent experiences in the kitchen. I will be honest with you, I have never really been much of a cook. However, all that changed when my granddaughter came to stay with me. She is a teenager who loves to cook and she insisted that old grandpa Harry joins her in the kitchen. She taught me how to prepare various dishes such as finger foods and dessert cakes. I really enjoyed learning to cook and since then I have been reading books about it and teaching myself.

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