Plan & Organise a Dinner Party

For an organised dinner party, try to plan ahead about two or three weeks ahead. People are so busy you simply have to invite them well ahead and this will give you plenty of time to plan properly and cross your jobs off one by one.

Build your dinner party planning list, but don’t make it too complicated, it’s supposed to help you and not overwhelm you! You should be able to jot it down on a piece of paper you can stick up on the fridge. It’s good to have it in sight so you can keep on track.

About Two – Three Weeks before your Dinner Party:Send invitationsDecide on table settings including table centrepieceReview the state of your tablecloths, napkins, crockery, cutlery and glassware.Do your menu planning, and write out your shopping listBuy the wine and non-alcoholic drinks. Don’t forget the cocktail mixers!

Two to Three Days Before Your Dinner Party:Buy the food and flowersClean the house now so you only have last minute touch-ups leftDecide on what you will wear and make sure it is wearable!Prepare any of the dishes you can make a few days ahead

Day Before Your Dinner Party:Arrange your table centerpieceSet the tableMake any food items you can make 24 hours in advanceSelect the dinner musicLay out the dessert and coffee dishes supplies

Day of Your Dinner Party:Prepare any food you can prepare in the morningCheck the house once moreLay out the serving dishes and utensilsLay out the pre-dinner drink suppliesDo last minute cookingLay out pre-dinner appetisers