What to do and what not to do at dinner

Menu

It’s all very well to cook something you’d like to eat, but keep your tablemates’ tastes and preferences in mind. I’m sure there’s someone out there who hates mushrooms, has an allergy to garlic, or can’t stand shellfish. Your menu must be subtle and must appease those who come to eat. Don’t be too adventurous, try dishes that are classic, enjoyable and don’t take up too much time in the kitchen (there’s nothing worse than an absent host!). Remember that if you are going to cook three courses, there will be a lot of food on sale. Opt for light starters and refreshing desserts to cleanse your palate. Last but not least, let your guests know what to expect ahead of the night – you don’t want your guests to be unwilling to eat your food the night of your dinner.

Table

In any case, the food should take second place after the setting of the table! Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You will probably find that if the table is well dressed, your guests are more likely to enjoy the food. The cutlery must be clean and tidy and the glasses must be sparkling clean. A neatly folded napkin also helps a lot.

Add the wow factor to your table with flowers, candles, balloons and sparkles, but don’t go overboard, they will only get in the way and annoy your guests!

Make sure each of your guests has enough personal space to enjoy their food without creating big divisions. They’ll want enough room to raise their elbows, but they’ll need to be close enough to other guests to be able to have an intimate conversation over dinner.

Music

There is nothing worse than going to a dinner party and having to eat in silence. Break the tension with some music, preferably something instrumental. You want the music at a level that’s loud enough to listen to, without drowning out conversation. If the drinks are flowing and everyone is having a good time, try turning up the music to create a more festive atmosphere. If you can’t provide music, come up with a list of things to talk about for the table. This will not only get the conversation flowing, but you may also find out some interesting things about your guests! Good topics of conversation can range from politics to fashion.

Dress code

While it’s nice to create a formal setting for your dinner party, you don’t want your guests to feel uncomfortable. The black tie is probably too formal for a dinner party. Why not suggest a smart/casual dress code? That way your guests can make an effort while wearing something they enjoy. If you have a strict no-jeans or no-sneakers rule, please state that on your invitation. If your guests are nice people, they will be happy to oblige you.

Why not attribute a theme to your dinner? Create a themed menu and ask your guests to wear a themed outfit. This will break the tension between your guests and create a great topic of conversation.

Preparation

The key to a good dinner is preparation, preparation, preparation! Prepare your menu and home well in advance to minimize panic and distress. Remember, a clean home is a happy home, so give your house a tour before your guests arrive (there’s nothing worse than a dirty toilet). If you are not an expert in the kitchen, why not hire a restaurant or a private rental company to organize the catering for you? That way, you can relax and enjoy time with your guests instead of spending all night in the kitchen.