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Entertaining: How to Throw a Formal Dinner Party With All The Trimmings
There's more to hosting a successful dinner party than planning the menu, you know. It's all about appearances
Natalie Wain
18 May 2014
UK-based Houzz contributor.
I've been writing for the national press in Britain for almost 10 years and my most recent post was as the News Editor at Housetohome.co.uk.
These days I can usually be found hunched over my dining room table (which I've commandeered as my office) where I scribble away for a number of UK-based publications, including Homes & Gardens, The Telegraph, metro.co.uk and This is Money, among others.
I'm a bit of a jack of all trades but hopefully master of some.
And, in case you're wondering, I'd describe my interior style is brave, bold and eclectic. That's not to say I don't love a gleaming white wall... but I can't resist an accessory or two.
As the glorious Vivienne Westwood once said, 'when in doubt, overdress...'
UK-based Houzz contributor.
I've been writing for the national press in Britain... More
You’ve painstakingly researched your locally-sourced, organic, foraged menu but the work doesn’t end there. Oh no. There’s barely time to polish your best silver cutlery and find that missing piece of china before the guests arrive but it will all be worth it in the end. Here’s a few little tips to help you have a super evening; just don’t burn the souffle!
Polish the silver
If you’re spending a fortune on beef from cows fed on organic grass, hand-reared by Tibetan monks, then it’s worth spending a bit of time making sure your plates match and polishing the silver. No one want to loose valuable dinner party kudos because of dishwasher stains on their spoons.
If you’re spending a fortune on beef from cows fed on organic grass, hand-reared by Tibetan monks, then it’s worth spending a bit of time making sure your plates match and polishing the silver. No one want to loose valuable dinner party kudos because of dishwasher stains on their spoons.
Give your guests something to talk about
There’s always one moment in any dinner party (a heavy dessert and a few bottles wine ought to do it) when there’s a lull in conversation. A few well-placed photographs or quirky accessories should have things back on track in no time.
Explore a selection of modern centrepieces
There’s always one moment in any dinner party (a heavy dessert and a few bottles wine ought to do it) when there’s a lull in conversation. A few well-placed photographs or quirky accessories should have things back on track in no time.
Explore a selection of modern centrepieces
Make your table look pretty
This sounds obvious, but it’s worth putting some time and effort into how you want your table to look. If it’s a long table, then go for a couple of raised centrepieces so your guests’ view isn’t obscured. And napkins; whatever you do, don’t forget the napkins.
This sounds obvious, but it’s worth putting some time and effort into how you want your table to look. If it’s a long table, then go for a couple of raised centrepieces so your guests’ view isn’t obscured. And napkins; whatever you do, don’t forget the napkins.
Get creative with your table decorations
Flowers are lovely but lemons are better! Display them on branches strewn across the table or, if you don’t happen to have a lemon grove in your garden, why not try cherry blossom? Let your imagination run wild.
Learn how to create a fresh tabletop display for your next dinner party
Flowers are lovely but lemons are better! Display them on branches strewn across the table or, if you don’t happen to have a lemon grove in your garden, why not try cherry blossom? Let your imagination run wild.
Learn how to create a fresh tabletop display for your next dinner party
Ramp up the glamour
A well thought out, coordinated decorating scheme will have your guests hooked even before you serve the aperitif. Velvet chairs, plumped-up cushions and a tasteful, muted scheme will have them eating out of your hand.
A well thought out, coordinated decorating scheme will have your guests hooked even before you serve the aperitif. Velvet chairs, plumped-up cushions and a tasteful, muted scheme will have them eating out of your hand.
Take it outside
If your dinner party happens to fall on the one day in July when it’s sunny and not raining, take the party outside! And no, this is not an excuse for roughing it - make sure you have a big enough table and comfortable chairs and dress it up to the nines to ensure it feels sophisticated.
If your dinner party happens to fall on the one day in July when it’s sunny and not raining, take the party outside! And no, this is not an excuse for roughing it - make sure you have a big enough table and comfortable chairs and dress it up to the nines to ensure it feels sophisticated.
Give you guests handmade table favours
A little homemade favour on each guest’s dinner plate is thoughtful touch that will win hearts and minds. Especially if you serve up soggy carrots.
A little homemade favour on each guest’s dinner plate is thoughtful touch that will win hearts and minds. Especially if you serve up soggy carrots.
Invest in a wine stand
To be perfectly frank, a regular wine cooler set on the table is just as effective, but it won’t look as cool as a sleek, silver floor-standing cooler within easy reach.
To be perfectly frank, a regular wine cooler set on the table is just as effective, but it won’t look as cool as a sleek, silver floor-standing cooler within easy reach.
Get the candelabra out
Candelabra always seem a little extravagant don’t they? But the formal dinner party is when they come into their own. Give them pride of place, dim the lights and let them glow with quiet pride. Who cares if people can’t see what they’re eating.
TELL US...
What are your best tips for hosting the perfect dinner party? Share yours in the Comments below.
Candelabra always seem a little extravagant don’t they? But the formal dinner party is when they come into their own. Give them pride of place, dim the lights and let them glow with quiet pride. Who cares if people can’t see what they’re eating.
TELL US...
What are your best tips for hosting the perfect dinner party? Share yours in the Comments below.
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