You’ve intimated your friends that they need to keep their calendar free, and planned out the perfect menu already – a delectable four-course meal! Your guestlist too, is finalized with names of everyone you want to see on a weekend, and you can’t wait for their positive RSVP’s. You’ve also picked the outfit you want to flaunt when the evening of your dinner party finally arrives. Now, all that’s left to do is carefully plan the details!
The success of any party depends not only on the food, or the quality of the liquor you’re serving, but also on how much thought you lend to the little things! It’s in the music you have playing in the background, the time between every meal, the tidiness of the room, and the relaxed atmosphere you create while still keeping it luxurious. You don’t just have to place pretty decor pieces around the living room to make it memorable. There are a few other things you can do to ensure your guests get the evening they were promised. Read below for a short but effective checklist that you should tick off before you go ahead and send out those invitations.
The Correct Cutlery
This one seems like a no-brainer, right? But we tend to get a little too invested in the food, forgetting what it’ll be served in & with. A lot of people also give in to the idea of disposable cutlery since it saves one from the extra effort, but that isn’t what making a lasting impression means. Now is when you need to bring out your best China, and make sure you get the serveware right.
Finger-Food Servers
You’d be lying if you said that you don’t enjoy mid-meal tidbits thoroughly! Having a little something to munch on while taking a break from the next serving not only eases everyone into the conversation at the table, but also buys you, the host, some extra time to ace the entrée. This is when you can put your fanciest platters to use; as there is really no better way to present finger food. Make sure you lay out at least 2 of these amid your perfect spread.
Hygiene Essentials
How many times have you visited someone’s house for lunch or dinner and seen the tissues being handed out right from the plastic packaging? It isn’t an attractive sight! Take that experience and make it pleasant for your guests by storing tissues in a dedicated box. Place one at both ends of the table for easy access. It’s also not a bad idea to invest in good quality table napkins, and is a very classy route to take.
Place Settings
You might think of placemats and coasters as unnecessary or over-the-top additions, but they’re a vital part of table etiquette. Apart from adding a whole lot of ‘style’ to each setting, they’re also making sure that those little scratches and crevices don’t make an appearance in front of your guests. Coasters are also a really good way to ensure you don’t end up with tough stains after the night’s over.
Fresh Fragrances
A fragrant room is key to keeping people from cringey experiences. Let’s also address the fact that as humans, we always remember scents – so we gotta make them count. Since food aromas tend to mix up, it’s best to invest in mild scents that settle well. They should be anything but overpowering. Run down to the general store for diffusers or scented candles to add the perfect finishing touches to the evening!
