Entertaining people in the comfort of your own home is a fun way to get together with your friends, especially in times where going out isn't as safe or accessible as it once was. But, having people over and needing to provide them with good food, good conversation, and a comfortable setting can sometimes be nerve-wracking, and you may feel like you don't even know where to start? Well, when hosting a dinner party, there are a few key areas one can look at and take care of. Remember, you don't want to be so busy the entire night that you don't even have the time to sit for five minutes with your guests, so by getting a few things out the way, you'll be cruising through your dinner party with minimal effort. That said, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind next time it's your turn to host the dinner party.


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#1 Get the recipe 


To start preparing for the party, you'll first need to get a recipe. First, consider everyones' dietary requirements if they have any, such as lactose intolerance, allergies, etc. Also, if any vegetarians or vegans are attending, you may need to have an alternative recipe on standby for them as well. Your recipe for the night should be simple in its steps; it would also help if you could prepare most of it before the guests arrive. Recipes that always work well and don't require you to go above and beyond is a slow roast of some kind - they consist of a single pot with all the meat and vegetables, roasting away for hours until the guests arrive. 


#2 Set the table beforehand


Setting the table before the guests arrive will save you loads of time when they arrive. This step will allow you to let your creative juices flow and use your imagination. Think about plates, cutlery, and decor - what color scheme are you going for? You can also add an extra touch by buying tablecloths by Richard Haworth's to give your table a complete look. For the centerpieces, you can consider flowers or candles in small vases - be sure to have glasses of various sorts set as well to accommodate everyone and their different drinks. When setting the table, you can also go for a much more minimalistic look - this will also ensure there's more than enough space for all the food and prevent the table from looking stuffy.


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#3 Snacks


Having a few snacks around for when the guests arrive will break the ice and allow everyone to start enjoying themselves. You can either go for the simple chip and dip route, or you can go all out and do a more tapas type of spread. Suppose you choose to go the extra mile. In that case, there are plenty of tasty snack options to consider, such as pita bread with hummus and tzatziki, which is more of a greek way of making snacks. Or, you can even go for canapes which will be easy to handle for everyone and give you the chance to provide more variety to your guests.


#4 Music


A party without music isn't a party at all. Without music, everyone always talks in a hushed tone of voice, makes smaller groups, and after that, it's just downright awkward. Create a playlist the day before with some good music to last the entire night. For example, for a four-hour dinner party, you're going to need a playlist with about sixty songs. This might sound a lot, but try downloading albums from artists who have the kind of music you're looking for - this will ensure that your playlist doesn't run out halfway through the party. Also, be sure to remember to have your phone fully charged if you're going to be plugging it in for the music, because most of the time, when one needs a phone, it's always on its last few percentages.


#5 Entertainment


Even though it's a dinner party, you're not going to be eating for four hours straight, so try thinking of some useful ideas you can all participate in for some entertainment, such as a game or two. Games like Pictionary or charades are always a winner and are a great way for everyone to loosen up and start having some fun with a few good laughs thrown in. 


By following the above steps, you'll have a killer dinner party lined up and ready to impress everyone who attends. You may need to watch out, because, after this, your friends might suggest you always host the monthly get-together!



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