Are you hosting your Christmas dinner? Are you nervous?
Get the invitation
There’s nothing wrong with an email and a text message to invite guests over, but it’s worth sending personalised invitations. Think a card or handwritten letter. This way, it doesn’t seem like just another event and will subconsciously communicate to your guests that this is an important date on their social calendar.
Mention the dress code (formal, semi-formal or informal) and theme for your party, provided you plan on having one. Also stipulate if you would like them to bring along wine or salad or dessert; everyone feels more at ease when they feel like they are making a contribution.
Snacks and wine
Plenty of great red wine for a dinner party is undebatable, and a few delicacies for guests to nibble on while they mingle pre-dinner will seriously impress. You can visit local markets and obtain something truly special to offer them.
Setting the table
A proper set of plates and cutlery can be a lifetime investment if cared for properly, and will continue to impress even with age. Opt for something that is not too extravagant and will always stay in style; think plain white or even china. Stainless steel silverware is pricey, but well worth it.
Guests will feel much more at ease in your home if you create the impression that you have decorated it with a personal touch.
A few other things
Remember the basics. Clean your house well in advance, work out a menu that will allow you to wow but still socialise, make a playlist, ensure you won’t be disturbing the neighbours and plan a schedule for the evening.
Hosting a dinner party is not at all as stressful as it may sound at first; with a little effort and some planning, pretty soon you may never want to visit a restaurant again.
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