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 Hosting a dinner party is a great way to re-inject face-to-face socializing into your life, especially in this era of online contact. |
Today we spend most of our time in front of keyboards, steering wheels and cell phones, with less face-to-face socializing.
Social networking sites and online dating services have brought us closer together yet, in many ways, farther apart. Why not create the opportunity to revive your social skills by throwing a dinner party?
Not only does this bring people closer together on an intimate level, but it gets the creative juices flowing while bringing ambience to your home. (It can even inspire a good house cleaning!)
Even if you are a terrible cook, consider a potluck, an appetizer-and-wine gathering or a tea party. The more, the merrier. Invite friends and family and have them bring a friend or two for a great way to celebrate, make contacts and exchange ideas.
Create a theme or make it a costume party. Once you have the inspiration, add a signature colour. In Los Angeles, “white parties” are popular, where everyone comes dressed in that colour.
For meals, all-white dinnerware is a great investment, as chefs agree they are the ideal backdrop for food presentation.
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Centrepieces and arrangements don’t need to be flowers. Cookie or candy bouquets are fun and edible.
Set the scene by peppering the home with mini tea lights – everyone looks great in dim candle light.
Ask guests to each bring a fave bottle of wine or dish with a story behind it – as an icebreaker – and even plan for cheesy games.
If serving amuse-bouches (those tiny bite-sized hors d’oeurves), serve with sexy cocktail napkins with an artistic edge. Splurge and make a splash with the sassy napkins as your theme.
Play music associated with your creative focus, like a distinctive Indian sitar vibe for a butter chicken party.
Ensure plenty of table space and seating. Nesting coffee tables can be pulled out as needed. Ottomans offer extra seating or, with a tray on top, become coffee tables. Tuck cube ottomans under living room windows to allow for outside views.
Since people love to congregate in the kitchen, you might cordon off a boundary to make room to move, prepare and clean for the party. I’ve heard of some people using masking tape across counters or even yellow police tape, whereas others love the cooking and cleanup companionship.
Place a tray where guests can set dirty glasses, with one or two already placed there as a prompt. Stow away valuables you don’t want broken or stained as people mingle, especially with children are running around.
Extra toss cushions may look great but become a nuisance when people are trying to find a place to sit. Roll up precious area rugs to store in the garage or with a neighbour if you’re short on storage space.
Double-bag your trash bin so that when the first one fills, it can be whisked away without fussing with the reload.
If building or renovating a kitchen, consider installing double dishwashers if you entertain on a frequent basis.
Elissa Scott is a designer specializing in eco-friendly, sacred spaces. Visit her website.