It’s easy to understand why trading the club scene for intimate dinner parties is bliss. It is a refreshing change from shouting over loud music and inhaling second-hand smoke you don’t consent to while hanging out with friends. Apart from creating good content and Instagrammable pictures for your social feeds, diner parties are fun and create a bond between friends. So, if you are still trying to figure out how to spend this coming weekend, return to the basics, enjoy good food and drinks over sound conversations with family and friends; consider having a dinner party. As you plan fewer nights out and more nights in, here are a few tips to ensure you host the best one that is enjoyable to all who attend.
CHOOSE A THEME
Is this necessary? No! But it’s fun. Choose a theme for your dinner, but remember nothing too complicated so people are not rushing to the shop to look for something appropriate to wear. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, but make sure it pushes you and your guests out of your comfort zone. This adds to the fun of not only eating, drinking, and conversing; it also introduces the idea of rewarding whoever made the best effort.
CURATE A PLAYLIST
If you have picked a theme, it only adds more pzazz if you curate a playlist to match. Now, this doesn’t mean you make it a drab playlist. Because you are trying to stick to the theme, introduce some danceable tunes so people can intermittently dance between good food and drinks. This all goes hand in hand; make sure the music isn’t too loud so people can hear themselves talk to one another.
SET AND DECORATE A TABLE OR PICNIC IT OUT
A good dinner party must have a well-set and decorated table that is big enough to seat all the guests. If your table isn’t big enough, make an indoor picnic space and decorate the makeshift dining space like any table. Start with the basics: tablecloths, silverware, water glasses, stemware, and the usual. Then move on to flower arrangements, Centrepieces, candles, and anything else you have to make the table layout fancy and nice.
LIGHTING
Optimal lighting is arguably the most important aspect of a dinner party besides good food and drinks. No one looks good under blinding LED lights. Plus, isn’t the atmosphere supposed to be relaxed? Do yourself and everyone else a favour by dimming the lights. Candles are your best bet; use them as your primary lighting source.
ENTERTAINMENT
Group games are ideal for dinner parties. Make them as simple or elaborate as you like; the choice is yours. From charades to two truths and one lie to truth or dare, there are endless games to choose from, but if games are not your thing, prepare some fun conversation topics to reference throughout the night to keep everyone well entertained.
