Dinner parties can be a great way to catch up with old friends or make new ones! As the host, there is a long list of things to think about including the guestlist, décor and entertainment for the evening. So, to help youcover all bases, I’ll be sharing my top tips for throwing asuccessful dinner party.

Choose a theme for the evening

Why not add a unique element to your dinner party with a fun theme. Go all-out with 1920s Great Gatsby, or maybe a murder mystery evening. For a simpler option, go for a smart dress code or a even a colour theme!

This will help to give the event a fun edge and will definitely get the conversation flowing whileyour guests waitfor the food to be served.

Leave the hard work to a chef

The most important part of your dinner party? The food of course! You may be the next Gordon Ramsay, but sometimes it’s best to take a step back from the kitchen. So, why not leave the work to someone else and enjoy the extra time you’ll have with your guests?

Enlisting the services of an affordable private chef is the perfect way to create adelicious and fuss-free dinner party. Plus, this will give you time to focus on other elements such asdecorating the space and planing your post-dinner entertainment as well as sourcing the perfect complementary wines.

Hiring a private chef is also a great option ifyou have a number of dietary requirements to contend with: a highly trained chef will be able to produce stunning food which is suitable for everyone no matter how complex your requirements.

Setting the table

The heart of a dinner party is the table,so why not celebrate in style with a truly stunning layout? I recommend sourcing a beautiful table cloth to protect your table from any spills and stains and to give it the classic dinner party aesthetic. You might even want to take inspiration from your favourite restaurantsand how they lay their tables to get the tone of your dinner party just right.

For a true fine dining touch, lay the table with separate cutlery for each course along with a couple of glassware options which are suitable for your chosen wines. Don’t forget about your non-wine drinkers — they’ll need equally elegant glasswareto feeltruly catered for.

Throwingin some seasonal flowers cut short will lend your table some attractive detailing and won’t obstruct your guests trying to communicate across the table.

For the perfect finishing touch, provide linen napkins for each guest tied with string and a sprig of your favourite herband adorn the table with some tea lights for an inviting atmosphere.

It’s all about the atmosphere

Whether you’reaiming for a relaxing sanctuary or a busiervibe, there area number of tools to set an inviting atmosphere for your guests. You can create ambience within the room withdimmed lighting, strategically placed lampsor putting candles around the room. Plus, youmight also choose to have soothing music playing softly in the background to fill any silences, set the toneand welcome your guests in.

After the dinner…

Extend the event by providing your guests with post-dinner entertainment. Let your hair down with some delicious homemade cocktails or let your guests get creative by inventing and mixing their own concoctions.

If it’s a nice warm night, you could even take the dinner party outdoors. Dust off your garden furniture, light up the pit and add a pretty string of fairy lights to create the ultimate outdoor retreat.

Hosting a successful dinner party can be simple but effective. Follow these top tips to be crowned the hostess with the mostess. Good luck!