It's the perfect time of year to gather your friends for some dinner and drinks (any excuse for a party I say). So, here are a few helpful guidelines to make your dinner party a little less stressful.
- Create the menu
- Shopping list for food
- Shopping list for drinks, lemons and limes, ice
- Shopping list for flowers, candles, special lighting
- Choose your music for the evening
- Select table linens (don't forget to wash and iron if needed)
- Select glassware, dishes, and flatware as well as special serving pieces
- Cook!
- Set the table
- Arrange the centerpiece (check-out Social Couture for some fun ideas)
- Prepare lighting (votives, tapers or other lighting options)
- Set-up the bar, prepare drinks
- Turn on the music
- Get yourself a glass of wine
- Guests arrive (It's showtime - have fun!)
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Coffee or after dinner drinks
- Say good night to your guests
- Night Night!
This is so helpful. I do a table for a charity table setting luncheon every year and after 11 years I could teach anyone the checklist in my head. Thank you for this.
Posted by: Amber | January 27, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Great list and one I will store away! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Christi@pisforparty | January 27, 2010 at 08:42 PM
Thank you for all of the planning advice but i am 16 and i am having a dinner party. Thanks anyways you were a lot of help :)
Posted by: Birthday Party Checklist | March 04, 2011 at 10:58 PM