Your friends and family are coming over for dinner and you want to wow them with your creative genius and killer cooking skills. Have no shame, inflicting a little jealousy is compltetely normal and healthy for the host. Setting the perfect mood creates an even bigger impact.  So if you don’t have the skills you need, read through  our Hospitality Industry students and graduates top tips to put together the perfect dinner party.

Carrying out a successful dinner party without losing your cool, your mind or a huge chunk of money can be quite challenging for the rest of us.  So shock and amaze your guests by following these simple steps to setting the most beautiful tables that they will ever lay their eyes upon!

Plan, plan, plan

That includes everything you’re going to do for this event – Who, What, Where & When. From who you plan to invite, to what is your Décor going to be and what are you going to serve and when and where will you be hosting it. Write it all down, and have a plan B for the food or entertainment. Also know what everyone’s dietary requirements are ahead of the time.

Keep it simple

We have all heard of the age old saying, less is more. So use inspiration, but make it your own. Start preparations well in advance so you can enjoy the process without stressing out. And an extra tip: Envision the event from a photographer’s point of view. Don’t be afraid to move furniture around to create the best setting for photos.

Cook what you know you can

Goes without saying BUT we know from experience that it’s very tempting to try your hand at sushi or other skilled dishes in an effort to impress your guests. Unless you’re exceptional at these unique dishes or you have practised them to perfection, don’t try them out at your dinner party. Cook things that have flavour, are simple to prepare ahead and don’t require 100 abstract ingredients. Cook things you’ve successfully cooked before.

Layer the Lighting

Guests naturally want to linger in well-lit areas. Ensure the dining room has been layered with various sources of soft lighting from different angles. The room (and your guests’ faces) will glow when you dim the chandelier. Light candlesticks, and place votives all around the room.

Lay down your linens

When you’re thinking about incorporating linens into your tablescape, success is found in layering. A simple tablecloth works fine on its own, but layering linens on top will add a luxe feel. Roll out a runner, use a napkin under the centerpiece, or even break out Grandma’s lace doilies for added drama.

Checklists are helpful

We’ve said it before – write it down. Create a checklist for the event – the How! List the ingredients to buy, the timings for preparation and cooking, entertainment and so on. Tick off as you go along,  deciding to flambé your pancakes at the last minute isn’t going to work out if you don’t know what you’re doing. Stick to the plan, it’s a recipe for success.

Presentation is important

With food, make sure that there is colour on the plate. No one likes a plate of beige or grey foods, however tasty. Add simple garnishes like chopped, diced tomatoes around the edge of the plate for colour (which also could compliment the dish), and seasonal fresh herbs or lemon slices if you are serving a fish dish. Here you can get a little creative so don’t waste the opportunity. Also, serve your food on fun plates, or use unique serving bowls and serving gear. Spice it up a little with some fun decor on the table – even if it is just a couple of well placed flowers, or candles with some sparkles / mirrors etc. Less is more these days so keep it simple, striking and practical. If you’re not sure, ask a friend to help you. Drinks are also part of the party – make sure yours are chilled correctly. Offer a welcome drink that’s easy to make (like a simple Champagne Cocktail or a Pimms and Lemonade) and have ice with tongs available. Even if it’s really hot, not everyone likes their drinks iced – so check first.

Make your guests feel welcome

There’s nothing worse than feeling unwelcome when you arrive, or awkward because the conversation is non-existent. Make sure there’s a welcome drink, play some background music, remember to introduce guests to others so that they can get talking. Place a few conversation starters near guests like a cocktail recipe book or something fun. Have some nibbles or snacks available and however tempting it is to let the animals run loose, do everyone a favour and put them away for the evening. For every animal lover who attends your dinner, there’s another who is not a fan of the furry kind. Having pets around can make some guests feel unwelcome and isolated.

If you have any tips or helpful advice for a perfect dinner party, share them with us in the comments section below with your suggestions – we would love to hear them.

(Sources: www.mydomaine.com, www.purewow.com, www.mydomaine.com,