Formal dinner parties have their place, but the best type of party is eco-friendly and stylish. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a dinner party to make it the talk of the town. Planning and simplicity are key. When it is time for me to entertain, there are three essentials I abide by.
Step 1: Turn to a go-to source such as “Newlywed Entertaining” by Williams Sonoma (Weldon Owen; Hardcover; 256 pages; $40). Don’t let the title fool you. It caters to newlyweds, but it’s perfect for any fashionable host. The section on dinner parties tells you key points on cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, cheese, atmosphere and ideal main dishes.
Step 2: Get your guest list together. Inviting the same old people over and over again can be boring. Tell your core group to bring one person who would be a good fit. Remember, the best way to meet new people is through others. Make sure to find out if any of your guests have a food allergy. When it comes to invites, I am old school. I believe only in paper invitations. Where’s the fun in receiving an e-invite?
Step 3: Use unique items that are bound to become conversational pieces such as Baroque Plates, American Crafts Gift Leftover Bags or something similar and Cheers Bottle Beverage Napkins by Slant Collections.