by Samantha Dunn

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

Everyone loves to have company. It is always nice to have friends in the house to share meals, and even a business party can be spiced up and made to be entertaining. There are plenty of simple tips for invigorating one's dinner parties or outdoor engagements.

Some of the simplest tips for dinner parties are often times the best. One of the first things one should do when throwing a dinner party is minimize the clutter and maximize the space of the area to be used. An easy method of doing this is to temporarily remove some of the decorative or nonparty-specific pieces; they can always be put back later. If one is working in a smaller area for a dinner party, trying something unique like an Asian-style menu and place setting may be easiest to fit. With these styles everyone is typically seated on cushions on the floor around a low table. This eliminates the need for chairs, which can take up space; it also promises one's guests a unique in-house dinner experience. Other ideas for working in small spaces would be doing something more like an appetizer table, something the guest could nibble at while rubbing elbows with each other. Another idea would be to simply set a table buffet style, allowing the guests to fix a plate and mingle or find a comfy place to sit and chat.

There are plenty of ideas one can find to make a dining experience in his or her home unique and memorable. Age- or group-specific music playing low as ambient sound can be a pleasant addition to a dinner party. Candles or sconces are simple decorations that can set a more relaxed mood to a party. Simple flower arrangements can bring a splash of color and aroma into a room to lighten the mood as well. Another method of setting a specific mood is to play a movie quietly on a big screen television or a projector. The guests are not required to watch the shows, but maybe some of them feel a little foot sore and would like to sit and enjoy a movie. Some people like to place "conversation pieces" on a table to give guests a topic to break the ice. For example if the guests enjoy reading, place a favorite book on the end table, or perhaps these are people who enjoy design or color, in which case a simple centerpiece could be placed.

Some of the suggestions for indoor dinner parties could also be used for outdoor engagements: ambient music, flower arrangements and conversation pieces at the least. Some things to consider when doing an outdoor engagement include the time of year, whether there are insects such as mosquitoes, the weather and what time the engagement will end. if it is warm, there may need to be some strategically placed fans; if it is cooler, ask the guest to bring a sweater. Make sure there are properly placed bug repellent candles or even tiki lights. In an outdoor setting it may be nice to keep the food light, perhaps a menu which includes grilled fish or chicken and steamed vegetables. Another fun idea for outdoor engagements is to have a game set up outside. Depending on what the guests are interested in, the game could vary maybe the guests like pictionary, or perhaps they are more serious people and prefer something like poker. Either way it is bound to be entertaining.

One of the best ways to make sure that a dinner party or outdoor engagement is unique and memorable is to plan the food and activities carefully. Some easy ways to plan or get more ideas are using the Internet, HGTV, or even going to the local library. Everyone has a unique decorative taste and there are many floor plans, house designs, and perks, the best way to make your party memorable is to figure out what works best for you.

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