Having friends over and not sure the best, easiest way to set the table for dinner? Just follow these 6 tips to help make your next dinner party your best dinner party.
1. Set your table the night (or two) before
First Place the Napkins to the Left
This absolutely takes a load off. Even two days before is fine. Don’t worry about dust (unless you have a really dirty house, then just cover your table setting with a sheet).
2. Use as few utensils as possible
You can see from my table that I didn’t use the “spoon” in my setting, but I thought over all the various dishes I was going to serve & realized that it wasn’t needed. Less to clean later.
Utensils are Laid in Place
3. Mentally visualize the food you’ll be having and pick serving utensils in advance
What will you serve the beef stew with? Do you need butter knives? How many? How about dessert? Just put all the serving pieces in a bunch on the dining table. Then you’re not rummaging thru drawers at the last minute trying to find something to cut the pie with.
4. Always use candles
Unless it’s breakfast or lunch, candlelight is just special. It signals…”Party”. Everyone looks better in candlelight.
Plates are Added
5. Overcrowd rather than space out guests at your table
Lots of people think, “My table only seats six”. But you can probably put an extra 2-3 people around that table. And a party more fun when it’s a little crowded. Not horribly crowded. Just a little. I read this years ago and tried it and sure enough, people who are seated closely talk more, laugh more and everyone hears more people around them. Try it & you’ll see.
Put Place Cards above Plate
6. Use place cards
I know, you’re thinking, “My Grandma didn’t even use place cards!”. But place cards help the evening to flow, especially that awkward moment when people are starting to sit down for dinner and always asking you, the hostess, “Where do you want me to sit?” But, with place cards, you will calmly reply, “Just find your name.”
Plus, you, knowing your guests, can sit people intentionally. Separate husbands & wives, boyfriends & girlfriends (after all, they talk to each other all the time anyway) and put people where you think they will have the most fun. Put a lively talker next to a couple of quiet types. Put people who you think would be interested in each other, close to each other.
Candles & Wine Glasses in Place
Just a few tips to insure your serenity when you entertain by making your next dinner party easier for you and a more fun for your guests.
A Good Party
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