How to Throw a Dinner Party

If you’ve been holding off throwing a party because you think your place is too small, or you’re embarrassed that it’s unfinished or not decorated like you want, or you have some archaic idea that parties should be big, or glamorous, or whatever… stop.

Wherever you live, you can throw some kind of dinner party. It may only be for three people, or maybe you’ll surprise yourself by fitting in 15 people or more. But if you have a desire to bring people into your home, if you love your friends and love cooking and want to share food with them, you can and should do it! Everything else can be worked around or managed, but you have to commit to throwing a party first.

Set the Mood.

Almost anything is improved with good mood lighting. If you can help it, don’t use overhead lights. The overhead lights in most apartment use energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs — great for never having to change a lightbulb, but terrible for atmospheric lighting.

Instead rely on lamps with a warm white light, tea lights and candles, or string lights.

A softer, warmer, dimmer light is just cozier overall, but it also serves to mask any apartment imperfections you might be concerned about. For example, if you didn’t get a chance to dust your bookshelf or you don’t want your guests to see any stains on the living room carpet..will help mask that. So whatever your insecurities about your small place, good mood lighting makes everything look and feel better.

Make it a collaborative experience.

Try doing a chalkboard menu. It’s nice how a handwritten wall menu at a small dinner party is a touch of the formal in an informal setting. It will also draws guests more fully into the experience by giving them a glimpse into what the evening holds. Of course, anything that engages your guests in some way — gets them participating, talking, anticipating — is always a good thing.

Realize it won’t all be perfect, and that’s okay.

It’s always a friendly reminder to know that friends are our friends for a reason. If the dumplings for the soup don’t come together perfectly, or dessert is a little late, or you have to run out for more wine, or you’re exhausted by the end of the night and just want to sit and listen and not play “hostess” anymore.. that’s all good. The whole reason you threw a dinner party in the first place is to get together and enjoy each other’s company and some good food. Good friends will undoubtedly understand if things don’t go perfectly, and will probably even jump in and offer to help out. Trust me, no one is expecting you to be Martha Stewart!

More Fashion Fabula

Best Face Masks for Oily Skin

Face masks are the easiest way for a quick fix. Unlike serums, oils or moisturizers, face masks aren’t absorbed into the skin. Instead, they sit

3 Tips For a Green Closet

Here at Brandzaffair we understand that sustainable practices aren’t a fad but rather a lifestyle, and were interested in finding out how to create a

Editors’ Picks: Summer Jumpsuit

Splendid Nautical Stripe Jumpsuit This lightweight jumpsuit epitomizes quintessential high-seas style. Steve Madden ‘Aintso’ Strappy Leather Toe Ring Sandal Classic and summery toe-ring style sandal

History of Fashion: Plaid

Whether you love it or find it a symbol of all things hipster, plaid has been remarkably successful. It’s one of the most widespread, recognizable

SXSW: Style Guide

South by Southwest is officially kicking off this week, and if you’re headed to Austin this week, you have one supreme goal: to have as

In Trend: Falling Flat

This spring designers seem to have jumped on the comfortable shoe bandwagon for good! On the runways we are seeing flats (and sneakers), and our

The History of Swimwear

Let’s be honest. You’ve been ready for summer since January! With the summer months just around the corner, we thought we’d take a look at

On Trend: Animal Prints

Animal prints are a huge trend right now for Spring/Summer 2015. It’s a fun and simple way to make a bold statement! Leopard and snakeskin

The At Home Classic Manicure

Skip the time-consuming and costly trips to the salon and perfectly polish your nails at home. With the right equipment, your favorite polish color and

Style Lessons from Wise Women

It’s no coincidence that many of the world’s best-dressed women aren’t in the first flush of youth. They might have gained a wrinkle or two,

The History of Lingerie

Underwear has come a long way since the days of linen drawers. In the beginning stages, underwear was originally designed to serve several purposes –

Tom Ford’s Private Blend

Care for a hint of tobacco? How about a whiff of black suede? If a taste for exotic aromas suits your style, then Tom Ford’s

Fashion Brands

Feedback/Suggest Brands

Again, welcome to Your Brandzaffair. Our goal is to be your daily source for immediate access to all your favorite brandz with their best offers, in addition to providing insights and reviews in your lifestyle interests. We want to always continue to improve your experience. Please tell us what you think and what we can do better.

Spread the Word