Being the host with the most is something many of us enjoy.

Cooking great food with care and attention, serving it to the people who we genuinely appreciate having in our lives – it’s something extraordinary. You can go all out for your dinner party and try and do a delicate tasting menu, a three-course meal, or even tapas style. With good company, the food always tastes better. But being a great host isn’t just about serving the food hot. Here are some tips to make the most of your evening.

Who Is Coming?

If you are planning on having more than a couple of people, pay attention to who is who. Some friends don’t see eye to eye; others have a past that means they might not want to sit together but won’t want to offend by declining your invitation. It doesn’t have to be a political decision though. Just stick to people who make you feel good and are pretty laid back.

The Food

Make sure you are catering correctly for those with dietary requirements. Aside from it being thoughtful to do so, it also ensures that everyone can eat while there. Most great meals can be adapted to suit vegans, vegetarians, and those with intolerances and allergies.

Prep Your Space

A few days before your gathering, start tidying and cleaning. No one is going to be expecting it to be a show home, after all, it’s still your home. But, after the meal is there somewhere to sit? Is the toilet clean enough for multiple guests? Little things like ensuring there are extra toilet paper rolls available (without people needing to ask), enough hand soap, and seats. Once you know the number of guests, and the meals you will be cooking, you can set out the pans, utensils and chopping boards in advance too. Streamlining your day will make the cooking so much easier.

Sitting Where?

This one might naturally be something you don’t have to think about; perhaps your guests are happy to sit anywhere and in fact, you’d prefer they made their own decision. However, if you are orchestrating the evening, try and seat people next to each with a little something in common. It is common for people to try and sit next to someone they know, however, if you are introducing different friend groups like work pals and general friends it’s nice to mix it up. Putting a name label at the place you’d like them to sit takes care of everything.

Is It Casual Or Is It Fancy?

Maybe it is just a Friday night relaxed get together with beers, great food, and jeans. Or perhaps you wanted an excuse to put on a gorgeous dress? Let your guests know in advance.

Table Setting

Even if you have decided against having a dress code, there is nothing wrong with going all out on the table decorations. Investing in a few banquet tablecloths from Richard Haworth will mean you have a color for all occasions. Think about the ambiance, candles, centerpieces can be big floral scented beauties or you might like to keep it stripped back and simple – having the plates and cutlery as the eye-catching piece. Try and think of table setting that reflects what you are cooking. For example, if you are preparing Thai food, you might consider chopsticks, large soup bowls, floating candles and perhaps some fragrant lemongrass. After all how often do we get to indulge like this?

Nibbles

When the conversation and wine start flowing, it is an excellent idea to have some little bowls of nibbles on the table. Try and pick something that compliments your main meals. Olives, nuts, small cubes of cheese, all of those are simple and will tide people over in between courses or indeed after the main meal is long gone.

Sit Down

As a host it is so tempting to keep upright and cater to everyone else all evening, watching all of your hard work pay off while people chat and eat. Serve yourself last, but be sure to sit down and take part in the moment.

Take The Limelight

Everyone who has accepted your invitation has done so because they want to see you. You are the person that everyone there has in common. Be happy at that moment that you can be surrounded by people you love and appreciate having in your life. After the meal is finished, if people offer to help tidy up – accept it. It a lovely way to say thank you for all the effort you have put in.

Have your own suggestions for hosting an amazing dinner party? Share them in the comments!