- February 28, 2018
- Lifestyle
How To Be The Perfect Dinner Party Host
Throwing a party can be a lot of fun, and it’s always good to have people around you that you know and love having a good time. It can also be pretty stressful though, and that really does take the fun out of it. Here are some great ideas on how to be the perfect party host so that you can have as good a time as your guests.
Decide The Perfect Spot
Of course, you are hosting the dinner at your home, but where exactly in your home? Are you planning to host the party at your home dining area? That can be a good idea if you have a small number of guests.
But if you are expecting more people, you might need to think of another option. And what could be better than hosting the dinner in your home backyard? Not only do you get a larger space to accommodate your guests, but enjoying a meal under the moonlight can be quite charming, don’t you think?
However, if you are planning to host a dinner party in your backyard, there are a few things you will need to check. First, make sure your dining tables and chairs are ready, and consider decorating them with beautiful tablecloths.
Don’t forget about the lighting either! You definitely don’t want your guests enjoying the meal in the dark, right? While you might already have some lights installed in your backyard, it’s a good idea to add a few more to ensure the area is as bright as possible.
Rather than taking on all the work yourself, call a handyman to set up the additional light fixtures and connections properly, so everything is done right. You can search online using keywords like “handyman near me in Sugar Land” or your local area, and reach out to a professional with a solid reputation to get the job done correctly.
Create The Environment
You may want to provide a comfortable environment for your guest that can improve the ambience of space. For this purpose, you can create a cosy and an inviting space if the party is hosted outdoors. Consider providing blankets to beat the cold outside and cushions to provide relaxing ambience for those seated on chairs.
Further, it might be a good time to get those minor additions done that were sitting on the back of your head for a long time. For example, consider getting new decor for the living room to match with the theme or new towel bars and stylish faucets installed by a renowned contractor for bathroom remodel mn or other localities. This can elevate the elegance of hosting, while also giving the guests a relaxing experience.
Cook Tried And Tested Recipes
Your party is not the time to try out a new dish. If you want to try something that your guests won’t have had from you before, it’s wise to rehearse the entire thing a couple of times before the big day.
The best bet, though, is to present something delicious that you’ve cooked many times before. There is far less chance for something to go wrong that way, and as long as it tastes good your friends won’t mind if they’ve had it before.
Plan Your Music
Music is something that should always accompany every dinner party. Think of all the restaurants you’ve visited. It’s likely that most of them played music throughout your meal. That’s because music fills in any awkward silences. It also makes people feel relaxed and comfortable.
It shouldn’t be too loud or too quirky. Instead, think of classic tunes by well-known artists. Make sure the music is playing before your guests arrive as then they won’t feel as though they’ve got to you before you’re ready.
Icebreakers
Having some icebreakers prepared for when the conversation starts to fall short is a great idea. No one wants to sit around a table (no matter how gorgeously presented) in total silence. It is especially useful when you are entertaining a group of people who have never met one another before, as it can be difficult to think of things to say.
Make a list of icebreaker questions that you can call upon when you need to spark the conversation again. If you have trouble thinking of some, check out Fun Attic; there are plenty of ideas there.
Accept Help
Many party hosts make a big mistake when it comes to getting their party ready (or clearing away afterward); they don’t accept help. However, if you want to enjoy your party as much as everyone else, you need to get the fiddly bits out of the way as quickly as possible!
You don’t have to do all of it by yourself, so make the best of the help you find. Instead of running out and buying everything including alcohol on your own, look for a service like this liquor delivery in Thornton that’s more local to you for quick alcohol deliveries. You can do the same with other party supplies, too. Once the party is in full swing, if someone offers to help you tidy away serve the food, or even top up everyone’s drinks then accept their offer – it will help you, and it will make them feel right at home.
Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks like setting up decorations or managing the playlist to willing friends or family members. Another great tip is to use a local catering service for some of the food, which can significantly reduce your workload and stress levels.
And finally, if you decide to host the party outdoors, then consider using a reliable propane supplier, like Wendt Propane and Oil, for example, for your grill or patio heaters, ensuring you have enough fuel to keep the party going. Remember, taking help from loved ones and professionals will help ensure that the party goes off in a smooth manner.
Don’t Worry About The Mess
A house can always be cleaned, so even if you’re itching to tidy up, leave it until your guests are gone if you can. You can manage the mess as you go by clearing the table and setting the dishwasher, but obsessively picking up glasses and bottles and clearing up around people can put them on edge. So do a little tidying as you mingle, but leave the big clean for another time.