by Jennie Hanba

Created on: October 29, 2009

Hosting a successful dinner party doesn't have to be overwhelming. Planning and preparation are the keys to keep the experience stress-free and allow you to create beautiful and memorable gathering.

Make a to-do list. When doing so, keep the following in mind:

Invitations (if needed)

Decorating

Grocery shopping

Food and beverage

Meal service

House cleaning

Entertainment

If you need to send invitations, be sure to mail them at least three weeks before the day. Of course you don't have to do something as formal as mailed invitations. If it is more of an informal gathering, you can invite people via e-mails, telephone calls or word of mouth. Whatever way you choose, be sure your guests let you know if they will be attending or not so that you will not be short on seating and food.

Make sure you have enough seating to accommodate all of your guests. You may need to rent or borrow chairs. It would be a good idea to inquire about rental about a month before. This also applies to tables you may need.

Plan your menu. Know your recipes and what ingredients you will need for them. Make a grocery list with everything you need. Go ahead and purchase the food and drink at least one week before the day of the party.

Will you be eating your meal on china or paper plates? What kind of flatware will you use? You will need enough plates, glasses and flatware for everyone. Also make sure that you have enough serving trays, bowls and spoons for the food you will serve.

Look at your recipes. What can be prepared a day or two earlier? Can deserts be made? Can ingredients be cut or sliced? Does anything need to be marinated? Whatever can be done before the party should be. Also, make sure not to forget to take out any meat that needs to be thawed.

Make a cooking schedule and know exactly (or as close to) how long it will take to cook everything. This will ensure that the dinner will be finished at the same time and nothing will turn cold while the other food is still cooking.

Housecleaning should be done a few days before the party. If you need to rearrange furniture and set up the tables, do these one or two days before (if you can stand a bit of inconvenience). Also, go ahead and decorate at this time, if you need to.

Although your guests will spend a great deal of the party eating and socializing it doesn't hurt to plan some entertainment. Games such as charades or Pictionary are always fun. You could also set up a few card tables and have a euchre or bridge tournament.

If you plan and prepare, your party will go off without a hitch. You will be more relaxed and able to enjoy the company of your guests, instead of being stressed-out and wondering why you ever decided to have a dinner party in the first place.

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