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Hosting a Dinner Party

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TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-407 -- More Projects »
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Entertaining expert Dana Christine shares tips for hosting a formal dinner party.

  • Limit the number of guests to about six to eight people.

  • Make sure the dining table is large enough to seat the number of guests invited. No one wants to be stuck at the kiddy table.

  • Keep the menu simple. Plan dishes for which most of the work can be done in advance and avoid recipes that require hours of prep time.
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The table setting is important when hosting a dinner party. Take the time to make sure all the various serving dishes and utensils are arranged properly.
  • Setting the table is also important. Place dinner plates at the center of the setting with a soup bowl on top of the dinner plate. Dinner knives go to the immediate right of the plate, and the soup spoon goes to the right of the knife. The salad fork goes to the immediate left of the plate followed by the dinner or main course fork. The butter knife and bread and butter plate is placed at the upper left side of the dinner plate. At the top of the dinner plate is the dessert fork, and to the right of that is the place for water and wine glasses.

  • Get creative with a table setting by folding napkins, creating a centerpiece or making up place cards.
  • Choose dishes that complement one another. Begin by choosing the main dish, then plan the side dishes around that main course.

  • Make the dinner colorful — avoid using the same color in all the dishes. For instance, serving a pasta dish with cream sauce alongside mashed potatoes and cauliflower really doesn't offer any flattering colors. Try to keep dishes colorful and varied.

  • The same thing goes for flavor. Avoid repeating flavors or ingredients in the main course, side dishes and dessert. Don't let guests experience "death by dairy" with a heavy cream sauce in the main course, a cream-based soup as an appetizer, scalloped potatoes as a side dish and cheesecake for dessert.

  • When serving courses, make sure to have a relaxed setting. Don't rush the courses, and keep the portions small.

  • To make things even easier on you, purchase at least one course, such as the dessert from the store.

    • How to Get Ready for Guests
     Find more ideas for hosting friends, including party-planning tips and five ways to welcome weekend guests.
    Guests
    Dana Christine
    Entertaining Expert
    Grand Rapids, MN
    Phone: 612-819-6611
    E-mail: Danaholzinger@yahoo.com
    Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-407
    •Hosting a Dinner Party
    •Using Salt
    •Fertilizer Basics
    •Tip of the Day
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