How to Host a Stress Free Small Dinner Party at Home
Yes you can enjoy your own dinner party! The 3 keys to hosting a stress-free dinner party are to keep it simple, do as many chores as you can ahead of the big day, and prepare as many dishes as you can ahead of your guests' arrival.
Steps
Keep it simple: Limit the guest list to eight people, six is even better. Choose a neutral table setting that lets your colorful centerpiece flowers pop. Serve no more than three courses. Feature only one "fancy" dish. Plan a mostly make ahead menu with few items that need last minute kitchen time.
Do ahead. Two weeks in advance, invite your guests and choose a menu with mostly make-ahead dishes. A few days ahead, shop for the non-perishables and clean house. The day ahead, shop for the perishables and set the dinner table and do a last minute clean of the bathroom and living room. Prepare your make-ahead recipes the day before or in the morning of your dinner party.
Tips
Remember that your guests are the real stars of the evening, not your food. The food is only your pleasant excuse for getting together, so don't worry about putting on a gourmet restaurant spread.
Never serve a dish you haven't made before. This way you avoid disasters like apologizing for a recipe that doesn't taste the way you hoped it would.
You are part of the company and your guests expect to talk with you. Keeping it simple means you get to spend time with your guests instead of in the kitchen.
Don't get nervous about choosing wine. If you're not sure what to serve, just go to your local wine store and ask for something simple and inexpensive that most people are likely to enjoy. Remember people love to give advice, and wine store staff are no different!
Check the ingredient list for every recipe against your pantry contents. Make sure you already have the item on hand or add it to your shopping list. This has the added bonus of preventing you from buying duplicates!
In your last minute schedule be sure to include time for you to get dressed, set out the appetizers, put on the dinner music and - yes - sit down for a few minutes before your guests arrive. Wow! What a stress-free way to start enjoying your own dinner party.
White Plains, New York
White Plains is the birthplace of New York State and the County seat of Westchester since 1778. This city of 48,400 residents includes Fortune 500 firms and upscale retail stores. A new upscale mall, The Westchester, features 198 shops and eateries. Anchor stores are Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom Department stores. Government offices, including a new Federal Court House, are part of the downtown area. White Plains is also a designated TREE CITY USA community.
White Plains is 22 miles north of New York City, midway between Long Island Sound on the east and the Tappan Zee Bridge on the west. It is easily accessible by train, bus or an excellent network of major highways. Metro-North Railroad provides an easy 40-minute express commute into midtown Manhattan.
White Plains has several private golf clubs, a public golf course, many clay tennis courts, five platform tennis courts, several baseball and softball diamonds and an outstanding recreation program serving youth through senior citizens. In addition, it boasts one of the finest YMCA and YWCA programs in the country.
Famous People from White Plains
- James Arthur "Art" Monk (born December 5, 1957) (football player)
- Jonathan Larson (born February 4, 1960) (plawright - Rent)
- Jason Cascone (FDNY firefighter - featured in Faces of September 11th)
- Matisyahu (Matthew Miller) Hasidic reggae singer
- George Ortega (born September 12, 1957) (Producer of "The Happiness Show")
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