The Art of Dinner Parties
April 5, 2010
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Austin
• 0 Comments
For a dinner party to be a work of art, it needs to incorporate the following: class, sass and sophistication. Look below to find out how to perfect your dinner party occasion in 5 easy steps.
1. Customize the occasion for your guests:
Let’s be honest, not all of your friends are into glitzy, fancy get-togethers; likewise, most of your guests might not necessarily be the casual, buffet type. That’s why you should customize your dinner menu or appetizer selection according to the people you invite over for the festivity. You don’t want any of your guests to feel out of place, so make sure to create an environment and ambience that is comfortable for everyone at the party.
2. Pay attention to place settings:
For a dinner party to be sophisticated, the decorations need to fit accordingly. Table settings are a must to create the perfect looking party. Here’s a great example of a put together, classy table setting arrangement: Embroidered runners, gold chalices, matching utensils, and china-painted porcelain plates. To be even more creative, make each setting appropriate to the individual being served; for example, use specifically designed placeholders and plating that suites each guest best.
3. Cocktail hour is key:
Prior to the entrée, it’s customary for guests to spend time mingling in the living room area; serving cocktails is traditional during this time. To make the cocktail hour extra special, serve a drink that’s reflective of the occasion. For example, if you’re throwing a Christmas party, present your friends and family with festive eggnog or spiked spiced cider. The cocktail hour is a great way for your company to relax and warm up for the delicious dinner to come.
4. Dress to impress:
It’s important to dress appropriately for the party you’re hosting. In other words, don’t wear jeans and an old, comfy sweater if you’re having a semi-formal party (even if it’s the outfit you really want to wear). This may seem commonsensical, but it’s surprising how many people continue to dress inappropriately for the occasion they’re attending. To clarify how your guests should dress, don’t be afraid to note on the invitations the type of dress wear suggested.
5. Potluck or party?
If you spread the word that you’re having a soirée, it’s likely that your invitees will ask what they can bring, how they can help, what they can do, etc. Although it’s nice to get this kind of support, it can save you and your guests time if you express explicitly in the invitation what type of party it is, thus answering many of the aforementioned questions. For example, state in the invite whether or not you’re expecting a potluck so that your guests will know whether or not they need to prepare an appetizer or dessert beforehand.
This article is presented by The Texas Culinary Academy. The Texas Culinary Academy offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs in Austin, Texas. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit http://www.chefs.edu/Austin for more information. The Texas Culinary Academy does not guarantee employment or salary.