Hosting a dinner party can feel just as special as going out for a meal with your friends and family. The effort that goes into creating the perfect atmosphere, cooking all of the delicious food and being an attentive host won’t go unnoticed by your guests. We have a few tips to help you host an elegant dinner party your guests will remember and cherish.

Tableware

Creating a luxurious experience and elegance for your guests extends to the tableware you choose to use for your dinner party. If you have tableware that’s reserved for special occasions, bring it out and use it for your dinner party. If you don’t currently have any special tableware, it might be time to go out and purchase a set. You can also borrow a set of tableware from a family member or friend if you don’t want to purchase one yourself. A mismatched or chipped tableware set won’t create the elegant atmosphere you are trying to create with your dinner party.

Three plus courses 

The best dining experiences always have three or more courses to extend the experience; your dinner party shouldn’t be any different. Plan your menu carefully to include a starter, main and dessert. You can also add canapes if you want to make things extra special for your guests. This will extend the whole experience and replicate what you’d experience in a restaurant. 

Dress for the occasion

When you’re in the comfort of your own home and hosting family or friends, it can be easy to stay in your comfortable clothes. However, this won’t create the atmosphere of an elegant dining experience. Instead, you should get dressed as if you were going out to a fancy restaurant. Don’t forget to tell your guests about the dress code so they know what to expect and how to dress. 

Clear your space

Create space for your guests to fit around your table and make it the centrepiece of your room. This will be easier if you have a dining room, but if not, it could mean moving other pieces of furniture around. Guests should be able to access their seats without any issues or needing to squeeze past objects that are in their way.

Pair your wine and food

Wine pairings with your chosen menu aren’t too difficult; it just takes a bit of research before you go shopping. This research and extra detail will really impress your guests and create an elegant experience for everyone attending your dinner party. Choose different wines for each course of your meal. If you have a few options, such as a vegetarian guest, pick suitable wines for their meal. Red burgundy is a great wine pairing for a beef bourguignon, a classic dinner party favourite. Champagne is a great choice for a seafood starter and an excellent way to celebrate your dinner party. If you have guests that don’t drink at your dinner party, ensure you have an option that suits their tastes so they don’t feel left out of the conversation. You can purchase alcohol-free wines that you can pair with each course. 

Decorate your table

Table decorations are a great addition to creating the perfect, elegant dinner party. Choose decorations that suit the season. Flowers and candles are always a good choice; the subtle lighting will enhance the whole dining experience. Make sure you have enough room for your freshly cleaned and polished silverware. A tablecloth or table runner is a great way to create a luxurious look on a dining table with some wear and tear. 

Wait on your guests

If you were attending a dinner at a restaurant, you’d be waited on by the restaurant staff. To recreate this experience in your home, you can wait on your guests. Make sure they always have a drink and everything they need to have the perfect dining experience. You also need to be present and part of the conversation with your guests. To be able to do this, you will need to prepare dishes in advance and choose a menu that won’t be negatively affected if some dishes are heated up right before they’re served to your guests.

Resources:

• Pinot Noir - Populr

• Prosecco - The Dots

• Sparkling Wine - Buy Me a Coffee