How To Host A Dinner Party – A Complete Checklist

Dinner party planning is made easier when you take steps to organize and create a checklist for yourself. After you send out your dinner party invitations take a look at these planning tips. This is our version of how to host a dinner party – a complete checklist.
4 To 6 Weeks Before Your Dinner Party:

• Decide the theme and whether you wish to host a casual dinner party or a formal dinner.
• Who is the dinner party for? ( work, friends, family, etc..)
• Establish your budget. Try this dinner party budget calculator.
• Create guest list.
• Create dinner invitations.
• Establish a time and place. With PurpleTrail invites, you can build consensus with your guests to make sure everyone can attend.

3 To 4 weeks Prior To Your Dinner Party:
After you have established the type of dinner party you’ll be hosting and have a guest list, it’s time to start thinking about the dinner party food and decorations. These are some things you can do about a few weeks in advance.

• Create a menu.
• Book caterers and bartenders if necessary. (When booking a bartender, try one of your local bartending schools, they often will work for just tips in return for the practice and experience.)
• Make a grocery list.
• Plan a cooking schedule (what can be made ahead of time, what needs to be made they day of).
• Decide on the table setting and place orders with a rental company, if needed.
• Buy or borrow serving pieces and accessories.
• Purchase or create dinner party favors if desired.
• Check specialty stores for hard-to-find food items.
• Select music.
• Purchase candles or other outdoor lighting if needed. Candle light is an inexpensive way to create an elegant ambiance. Check out an interesting post on a smashing summer dinner soiree.

1 To 2 Weeks Prior To Your Dinner Party:
As the countdown is on and you receive RSVP’s for your dinner party here’s a checklist of things to gather and create.

• Purchase nonperishable goods.
• Decide on the types of drinks to be served. (If you hired a bartender, finalize your order)
• Consult with a florist or check out your local farmers market for great seasonal blooms.
• Place special orders with the butcher, fish market or grocery store.
• Confirm plans with the caterer, entertainer, and serving help. Arrange for a sitter to watch children and pets during the party.
• Buy gas or charcoal for the grill, if needed.
• Decide on a party outfit.
• Begin a thorough housecleaning- enlist family members for help!

2-3 Days Before Your Dinner Party:

• Clean serving ware.
• Purchase remaining grocery items.
• Check recipes for how far in advance food can be prepared.
• Start food prep.
• Create a party-day game plan.
• Determine seating arrangements- if needed.
• Print place cards, if using them.

Day Before Your Party:

• Buy a great gourmet coffee blend.
• Pick up any dry cleaning needed for the party.
• Continue housecleaning- make sure the powder room is stocked with plenty of soap and TP.
• Continue food preparation for those dishes that can be made in advance.
• Set your tablescape.

And finally, things to do the day of your dinner party

• Finish cleaning the house.
• Pick up party orders.
• Create a bar area.
• Take out extra supplies.
• Finish cooking.
• Organize the kitchen for the final countdown.
• Give yourself a breather- have a glass of wine.
• Get in party mode- the fruits of your labor are about to pay off!

With the dinner party in full swing, here are a few things to get in mind

• Try not to spend too much time in the kitchen- your guests want to see you!
• Offer refreshments in between courses.
• Follow your list for last-minute dessert preparation.

Items to check and stock up on for your dinner party

• Make sure you have space on your coat rack, plenty of hangers or a separate room to put coats and bags in.
• Create a place for boots or umbrellas if weather requires them.
• Get plenty of ice and make sure you have an ice bucket, and ice tongs or scoop.
• Cocktail napkins
• Toothpicks
• Paper towels
• Plates (appetizer, salad, dinner, dessert)
• Glasses (water, wine, mixed drink, beer, soda, coffee); some beverages can use the same type of glass
• Silverware (enough for all courses and stirrers for coffee)
• If grilling, check the tank, charcoal, and lighter fuel. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray and citronella candles too.
• Coffee and assortment of tea bags
• Cream and sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Wine and bottle opener
• Bar garnishes (lime, lemon, olive)
• Film for the camera – or make sure your digital camera is charged and has an empty memory card in it!
• Garbage bags
• Dishwashing soap
• Club soda (for spills and spots)
• Space to chill beverages. It only takes beer, wine and soda 20 minutes to chill on ice. A large tub or cooler can be set up in a room out of the way.

Post Party
After your smashing dinner party, keep a journal. Include what you served, who was there, and how it went. Make notes on how to improve your next dinner party as well as what made this one successful!


http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/general-parties/dinner/how-to-host-a-dinner-party