Lots of people find the idea of hosting a dinner party intimidating. Somehow, they assume they need to know how to cook, have matched place settings for 12, a big house, or encyclopedic knowledge of current events. And in the absence of one or all of those things, they put off throwing the dinner party they secretly want to have. But here's the truth - having a dinner party can be as simple as you deciding to make it. It's not about impressing others with your culinary skills or home décor; it's about joining together with friends and creating a memorable experience. So go ahead - have that dinner party already!
Tips for Food & Beverage:
• If you're cooking, prepare food that can be assembled quickly. Mix dishes that can be prepared in advance with others that are cooked just beforehand. And don't be afraid to mix homemade items with store bought. (Don't forget good bread!)
• Serve family or buffet style. Then you can eat with your guests without trying to serve everyone. Whenever possible, bake foods in their serving dishes.
• Don't experiment with new recipes before a dinner party. Go with your tried-and-true. You'll feel more confident and more relaxed.
• Make a minimal number of dishes - just make them memorable. Pair foods that have complex flavors with simpler side dishes.
• Offer a signature drink before dinner (maybe a simple champagne cocktail) and then wine with the meal. Plan on 1 bottle of wine for every 2 guests and buy a few extras just in case.
Good dinner party foods:
Roasted meats and vegetables, caramelized onions, fresh salads, pasta with a flavorful sauce, stews, store-bought pound cake with fresh berries and whipped cream, and cheese of course.
Your Home:
• Don't let a lack of space get you down. Great dinner parties can occur anywhere. Seat guests on floor pillows, set up the table in the living room, or eat on the rooftop of your apartment building. You aren't hosting a formal dinner party, so you can get away with just about anything.
• Candles and flowers are always nice, but make sure that neither is overwhelming. Too much scent can make the food unappealing and your guests should be able to see each other over the flowers or the flames. Keep things small and low.
• Select music beforehand and have it next to the stereo. Put on something a little bit livelier during cocktails and nice background music that won't impede conversation during dinner.
• Don't be afraid to mix-and-match dishes, flatware, etc. Be creative! And if you don't have enough dishes, borrow from a friend.
Your Guests:
Choose your guests carefully and try to include people you think will enjoy each other's company. It's also nice to have 1 or 2 guests you can count on to invigorate the group and keep the conversation flowing. Finally, keep your guest list to between 6 and 12 people. (Odd numbers are a good way to keep the group functioning as a group.)
No - You Don't Have To Cook!
Order in, for God's sake. Mediterranean, Chinese, Italian, Indian - they're all good family-style. Want to get a little fancier? Then order a dinner party for 6 from Impromptu Gourmet. It'll cost you $240 plus shipping and you'll get a 4-course dinner prepared by top chefs from some of New York's finest restaurants. Everything arrives fresh, labeled, and with easy instructions to fully prepare the meal within an hour. Included with your meal will be wine suggestions (also available on their website so you can buy the wine in advance), 6 individual menus for each guest's place setting, and a stem of Dendrobium Orchids that you can place in a vase or at each place setting.
Sound too good to be true? Believe it! We tried a meal from Impromptu Gourmet and it was outstanding (and as easy as they claimed)!
Remember - Relax! Its just dinner. 
