Some of these tips are just common sense. I’ll list them anyway, just in case you forgot them. After all, considering all the work you’ve put in to your dinner party, you want it to come off without a hitch.
1. I touched on this in a previous section, but I prefer to stay away from a centerpiece, or candles on the table. Or if you want to put something like that out for show, simply remove it before everyone sits down to eat.
2. If you insist on candles, don’t use scented ones. It usually interferes with your meals aroma, and at times, they can have an unappetizing effect.
3. This one is oft forgotten. Once your guests are seated at the dinner table, make sure no one has to ask for a refill. Stay on top of things.
4. When you serve the food, remember a couple of things; don’t overfill their plate. Keep helpings small. Make sure the plates have enough room for all of the food, or you have an extra plate (a small one).
5. Once dinner is finished, before dessert is served, clear everything off the table, including salt and pepper shakers, wine glasses, condiment dishes. Anything that was used during the meal.
6. Very important – A good host will help along the conversation, help people shine, stop a bore (tactfully) from droning on and on, even play peace keeper from time to time. In your planning stages it will help if you know if there’s any topic someone considers "taboo", or if there’s some good new to share, anything to keep things rolling.
I’m sure there’s more, but these will suffice for those parties where it’s friends and family – the more casual parties.
So What’s Next?
We’ve covered quite a bit so far. Table setting, appetizers, salad’s, main dish, side dishes, hosting tips and planning.
There’s only one thing left to cover . . .
Dessert!
