Top 10 Tips for the Perfect Dinner Party Host

Hosting a successful dinner party can be exceptionally fun and rewarding for both the host and the guests. Achieving success however, requires the host to be organized, prepared, attentive and relaxed.

Here are 10 tips to help you host the perfect private dinner party.

Begin with a purpose

Whether an event is private or social, it is important to choose a reason or theme. When “intertaining”, the first step is to determine why you want to host a dinner party. 

Invite guests

Establish how many guests you’d like to invite and list their names. Call each guest or send an invitation via mail or email, and request an RSVP. Ask for your guests to let you know of any food allergies they may have or whether or not they are vegetarian.   

Choose your private chef

Choose the private chef that can prepare a meal with all of the courses that you want, which also suits your theme or your celebration purpose. 

Select a menu

When ordering your dinner party menu, choose options that are balanced in flavour, appearance and aroma. Make sure to inform your chef of any particular food allergies that your guests may have. 

Prepare venue and ambience

Prior to the day of your dinner party, make sure your home is clean and that your restrooms are well-stocked with necessities. Additionally, shop for decorations or dinner party accessories.

Pretty things up

On the day of the dinner party, dress up the areas where your guests will be spending their time with any items that relate to the theme or occassion.

Set dining table

Make sure to formally set your dinner table with all of the proper glassware, flatware and dishes. Plan exactly where your guests will enjoy any appetizers, where they will dine and where they will relax for coffee, tea, wine and sweets after the last course of the meal.

Prepare music

Arrange to have a carefully selected music-playlist ready to begin, lightly wafting through your home just as your guests arrive.

Mix and mingle

At the dining table, seat guests close to people with whom you know they are comfortable but also try to “mix the crowd up” a little bit so that each guest has a unique, enjoyable, and memorable experience. You can also create ice-breakers to enhance guests' interaction.

Present a toast

Present a toast which you have written and rehearsed ahead of time that celebrates the purpose of the gathering even if it is “just for fun”. Everyone loves a moment of cheer, and your guests will be bonded by your words of purpose, joy, and hospitality.

While each of the above tips will greatly contribute to your success as a dinner party host, the most important goal of your gathering is for everyone to have a great time. Remember to plan ahead so that during the dinner party, you as well as your guests can simply enjoy the occasion.