5 dinner party tips
Don’t be afraid to accept offers of contributions – a cheese platter, salads or even a dessert – if you don't feel comfortable cooking for more than six or eight people.[/caption]
1. Pick a fun bunch of people
First things first, choose a bunch of friends who get along and have similar interests. Or use the opportunity to introduce friends you know will have things in common. If you’d like to invite more than six or eight people, but have reservations about catering for larger numbers, don’t be afraid to accept offers of contributions. Extra appetisers, a cheese platter, salads or even a dessert or two takes the preparation pressure off, leaving you to focus on the main dishes.
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Never try a recipe for the first time, no matter how impressive it looks![/caption]
2. Keep things simple
Unless you’re extremely confident in the kitchen, reign in your inner Blumenthal and keep things simple. Avoid any culinary disasters by planning dishes you’re confident with and never try a recipe for the first time, no matter how impressive it looks. Avoid anything that will keep you overly busy in the kitchen by preparing as much as you can in advance – ideally whole dishes that can be quickly heated up or served straight from the fridge.
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Homewares stores such as Freedom, IKEA and K-Mart have an amazing array of inexpensive tableware to choose from. Image courtesy Freedom.[/caption]
3. Set the scene
Creating a sense of occasion with your table doesn’t take much effort and makes a great impression. Simple touches like cloth napkins, classic white dinner plates, matching wine glasses, placemats and flowers really set the scene and don’t have to be expensive. Homewares stores such as Freedom, IKEA and even budget-option K-Mart have an amazing array of inexpensive tableware and table decorations to choose from.
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Make sure the table is laid before everyone arrives and all drinks and appetisers are ready to go.[/caption]
4. Create a relaxed atmosphere
Music is a must-have to set the mood so create a playlist that will last all evening – or save yourself the time and find a few on Spotify, Pandora or Apple Music. Make sure the table is laid before everyone arrives and all drinks and appetisers are ready to go. Light some candles or outside lanterns for a magical touch. For styling ideas, check out Pinterest.
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Entertaining at home isn’t meant to be stressful, so try and relax and enjoy the evening.[/caption]
5. Relax and enjoy
And finally, have fun. Entertaining at home isn’t meant to be stressful, so don’t take it too seriously, relax and enjoy. And when you’ve had enough of entertaining, don’t be afraid to politely wind things up (or even just sneak off to bed leaving your guests to it).
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Entertaining at home isn’t meant to be stressful, so try and relax and enjoy the evening.[/caption]
Tag, dine and shine!
Tell us what your ideal dinner party would include and you could have a chance to win a $300 voucher from Australia’s favourite furniture and home decorating store – Freedom. To enter, all you need to do is tag 5 friends you would invite to your dinner party and ask them to “Like” our Homeloans page. Then let us know what’s on your wishlist. It’s that easy! Enter here [/alert] [caption id="attachment_9134" align="aligncenter" width="564"]
Illustration via Pinterest[/caption]
