While a sophisticated dinner party might not be everyone’s idea of fun (it’s okay if the college-aged young adults in your life would rather eat pizza on the couch), it can turn socializing with friends or family into a special occasion, complete with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dinner and dessert.

1. Invite Your Guests

To truly make the event something special, consider starting with actual invitations. Whether you send physical invitations in the mail, or opt for a digital email version, a formal invitation to your dinner party will set the tone for guests and get them ready for an elevated affair.

2. Set The Table

Since the evening is going to revolve around dinner, you should start with the table settings. For a multi-course meal, you will need different plates for each course. Smaller plates or bowls for soup or salad can be set on top of a dinner plate at each seat. For an impressive touch, put chargers underneath each guest’s plates as well. You will also want to make sure each guest has the proper flatware for your menu and a napkin. Add a tabledrape and a gorgeous centerpiece to really bring the whole table together. Dessert plates and mugs for coffee can usually be kept elsewhere until it’s time for dessert to be served. Hors d’oeuvres can be served on a variety of dishware, depending on what you’re serving. A popular option is to use a Wooden Bread Board as a serving tray, or you can go with the classics and set them out on melamine trays or tiered trays.

3. Decide On A Menu

Next up is the menu. Since most households don’t regularly eat meals in courses, it’s a fun way to make your dinner party stand out from an everyday meal. You can start with a first course of soup or salad (both could be prepared ahead to save some time), follow up with a main course (try to include a serving each of protein, vegetable, and starch), and for dessert, brew a pot of coffee and serve it with cream, sugar, and a tasty treat. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, print or write the menu on placecards to set at each seat.

4. Enjoy Playing Host/Hostess

The host or hostess plays a very important role at every dinner party! Embrace that role and enjoy it. As guests arrive, offer them a glass of wine or a cocktail of their choice. Set out hors d’oeuvres for guests to snack on while everyone starts chatting. When it’s time to be seated, serve each guest at their seat with the first course. After everyone’s finished with the first course, take those plates away and bring out the main dish! After the main course, you can clear the whole table and bring out servings of dessert along with mugs of coffee and cream and sugar bowls.

Now with all the hard work out of the way, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of your guests!

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