Dinner Party

[Riley.Royal]

So I am hosting a dinner party on the weekend, but I never really done one before. Wondering what dinner party people look for at a dinner party other then a good cooked meal.

I am wondering what items need to get from William Sonoma. I would like to entertain more at home but of course you need the right entertaining set up for that.

 

[Brill]

A quick google of how to do a dinner party came up with a site with good tips.
I hope it goes well for you!

http://busycooks.about.com/library/lessons/bldinnerparty.htm

 

[Riley.Royal]

Thanks this dinner party I think is just a part of 4 coming to my private home. I will be cooking but I lack entertaining sets so in the next few months or so I plan on cooking and upgrading my kitchen supplies and staples.

I have decided on the course yet, but they will be 2 main dishes, salads and maybe desert and tea.

 

[Cobra Enorme]

I love how Riley always says the store she's getting stuff from. its like this post is sponsored by Snapple (seinfeld)

 

[Ref]

Some tips for you:

* Macaroni: Opt for Kraft Dinner instead of those no name brands.. There is a big difference so don't be shy to spend the extra 67 cents.

* Napkins: Theme napkins, hats and those things you blow into allow guests to relax and have fun

* Baseball Bat: Every once in a while someone will make an asshole of themself - One swift crack across the head with a bat will take care of things

* Whoopee Cushions

* Seasonal Activities: Last Thanksgiving at my mothers place I fucked the turkey at the dinner table. It got a few laughs.

* KFC: You can have the most amazing spread of excotic foods and world-wide delicacies - But the happiest gang will be crowded around a bucket of the Col.'s greasy bird parts.

Have fun!

 

[Riley.Royal]

I love how Riley always says the store she's getting stuff from. its like this post is sponsored by Snapple (seinfeld)

I could go to Kitchen Stuff plus or Home Sense or anywhere that sells kitchen stuff for now I am just going to prepare the meal for my guest and improve on my entertaining skills for dinner parties in the future.

Funds are low so I will just work with what I have.

 

[Kenwoody]

1. make a meal that can be put together without you being absent the whole time.

2. a theme is always good. like Spain with Tapas and sangria.

3. chose quality over quantity. overstuffed guests make for quiet boring guests

4. lots of wine.

 

[Never Compromised]

The most important part of any dinner party is the guest list. You want people that will enjoy each other's company. You don't want to invite a couple of vegans to dinner with some woman that tests new cosmetics on animals and some Texas beef farmer.

Make sure you have made the meal in the past, so you know what to expect and how it will turn out and the timing.

Don't worry about having the "right things" to entertain with. I'm a bachelor and don't give a rat's ass about a matching set of dinnerware but everyone wants to come back again, despite the lack of "formal dinnerware". Good food and good conversation is the key to success.

Since it is a dinner party, I strongly suggest that you have even numbers for dinner. You mentioned 4 other people, suggesting you are dateless. You might consider having a guy friend over to act as "host" and pass the goodies, or keep the conversation going while you are in the kitchen.

You will need to make some appetizers. Cheese and crackers, smoked salmon, olives make for appetizers that are easy to make ahead of time. I sometimes serve oysters or shrimp.

The main course should not included canned or frozen veggies at this time of year. Make everything from scratch, or as close to scratch as possible. The vegetable should be something not normally made at home - so don't think that serving Green Giant peas is going to be a success.

Salad can be served either before or after the main course. And like it or not, dessert is going to be expected at a dinner party. Don't forget coffee, tea and liqueurs. If you really want to impress, brandy as well. Most people don't know much about liqueurs these days, so Baily's, a creme de menthe, and Khullua is all you really need.

Although you may clear the table, you cannot do dishes while your guests are there and under no circumstances should you allow your guests to help with the clean up. Sitting in the kitchen is also a no no.

Don't have a formal setting? Don't worry about it. Don't have the "proper" carving board, gravy boat or serving dish? Don't worry about it.

And have fun.

 

[HAMSTER INSPECTOR]

Are you a good hostess?

 

[Cyberfeab]

I would like to attend with my friend Jessie, would that be possible?

 

[Riley.Royal]

This is just to private friends and family members, sorry this is not a terb thing. I did get things for my menu ox tail, curry goat, and king fish and chicken i think i have planned to much food i am hoping people will take some with them.

I have more food planned then plates and platters to putt them on.

 

[toguy5252]

I think you will find that if the company is right everyone will have a great time regardless of the paraphernalia etc.

Start with some hor deurves and cocktails to break the ice and I am sure everything will be fine.

Dont sweat it.

 

[GotGusto]

Just make sure they don't leave with food poisoning, or swine flu, and you'll be ok, kiddo.

 

[5hummer]

Martha Stewart?
www.Marthastewart.com

 

[Riley.Royal]

I have been praticing my dishes for a while. this is why I am ready to host a dinner party. it will be a monthly thing i am hosting for close friends and special invited guest.

 

[Ashley Dupree]

Buy the book "Entertaining for Dummies". If you short on funds it mention idea that wont break the bank.

 

[K Douglas]

Hi Riley,

Most important thing besides good food and wine is that your place is clean. No dust, cat hair is vacuumed up so if anyone sits on the couch they don't get their dress/pants covered. Some nice mellow music in the background. Scent is important too, something that wets the appetite. Hors d'oeuvres are a must. Be sure to give your guests a mini tour of your place if they haven't been there before. And of course make sure they have a beverage within 5-10 minutes of arriving. Above all have good fun and good conversation.

Good luck!

 

[Riley.Royal]

Hi Riley,

Most important thing besides good food and wine is that your place is clean. No dust, cat hair is vacuumed up so if anyone sits on the couch they don't get their dress/pants covered. Some nice mellow music in the background. Scent is important too, something that wets the appetite. Hors d'oeuvres are a must. Be sure to give your guests a mini tour of your place if they haven't been there before. And of course make sure they have a beverage within 5-10 minutes of arriving. Above all have good fun and good conversation.

Good luck!

This isnt a fancy dinner party. Just a few firends and select SPs are invited to eat and enjoy. and I vaccum and clean so much I think I am getting cleaning elbow.

Cooking will start abotu 11am since the ox tail takes the longest to cook. and fish the last thing to cook and a few more items I have to get.

as for music we can find something on the bell satelite for everyone to enjoy. I don't want to cook alot of food so stuf fgo to waste but I want to make sure my guest who arrive are fed and happy.

So far my guest list seems to be about 8 the plan was to cook for 12 and hope people show up and take left overs.

 

[Mongrel4u]

if its just for close friends and family you dont have to reinvent the wheel...

Just makes some good food, make sure you can actually accomodate the amount of people you invite... and just chill...DONE.


PS....How come no Ackee and Salt Fish

 

[Riley.Royal]

PS....How come no Ackee and Salt Fish

it's usually a breakfast thing, and i don't eat it.