Dinner Party Chic

Throwing your own dinner party can be lots of fun, with just a few good friends in an intimate setting or a larger dinner soiree that’s more like a cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres.  It all depends on the size of your house or apartment, the time you can put into it, and of course your budget. 

Picking the date is your first step.  Mark the date on your calendar and make your to-do list to get the ball rolling.  Get creative with the season - March is a great time of year, with springtime and cool evenings where you can utilize your back deck or porch if you have one.

Next, invite your guests whether it’s online or through the mail.  Create an event page on Facebook (be sure to check your settings to keep your page private).  Not into Facebook?  Great websites like www.evite.com let you design your own custom electronic invite.  But there’s nothing more exciting than receiving a lovely invitation in the mail to be a guest at a party, especially when you plan events all the time! 

Got time?  Get creative.  Make your own invites using cardstock, pressed flowers, and other crafty items around the house.  Order posh invites online at websites like www.tinyprints.com, where invites are as low as $.99 each (you can upload pictures or logos for a more personal touch).  Got a bigger budget?  Visit Sassafras Stationary & Gifts and help support your local business.  From simple to elegant, their design team can help you create your one-of-a-kind invitation and even save you money by having them design the invite for you to print on your own computer.

Once you get your RSVP’s back, be sure to check with your guests to see if there are any allergies, vegetarian or vegan needs, or gluten-free requirements for your guests.  You want to make sure your menu will accommodate and appease everyone’s appetites.

If you’re on a budget, keep it simple - don’t get overwhelmed with in-depth recipes.  Make cucumber cups or homemade bruschetta.  Pick up ready-made items like chipotle and rosemary spiced almonds from the Wine World Wine Bar.  Make Asian coleslaw with pre-shredded cabbage and Mike’s Asian Ginger Dressing from the Apple Market.  Add fresh basil to pre-made chicken salad from City Grocery.  Order fresh sushi from Joe Patti’s or Publix (be sure to call ahead so you don’t have to wait).  Use nice serving pieces to serve your food.

Invest in a covered fire pit for your back yard or deck or borrow one from a friend.  Guests can make their own smores for dessert anytime of the year.  Have baskets laid out with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate with skewers for each guest to roast their own marshmallows.  The cozy fire will create warmth and ambiance and most likely stir up conversations about their favorite camping trips. 

Keep your bar simple and in a central location.  Limit it to premium beer, wine, a signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic drinks.  Take your menu to your local wine shop – it’s their job to pick out good bottles of wine to fit your budget.  Tell them what you usually get and let them know you want to get something different that will be nice for your guests.  Anna’s Wine Shop, Artesana Fine Wines, and Aragon Wine Market are just a few good places to try that also offer wine tastings.

An added touch would be to have a signature cocktail, like a watermelon mojito that’s refreshing or chocolate martini that can also serve as dessert.  Have some wine charms laid out for your guests to adorn their wine glasses.  Get cute beverage naps with funny sayings.

Before you decorate, you want to make sure your house is clean.  Use all natural products like Method brand (found at Target) that will keep your house smelling so lovely without the use of chemicals. 

For décor, simple elegance can be classy.  Utilize what you already have at home to help save money.  Strands of white lights leftover from Christmas can be strung on your back porch for extra ambiance.  Use vintage candles and white votives for simplicity.  Gather and clean old vases to create your own centerpieces.

Stock up on supplies like mason jars, vases, and decorative napkins at Dollar Tree that you can reuse.  Joann’s Fabrics has a great selection of materials and always has coupons online.  Darker linens used on tables can be brightened with simple floral centerpieces and lots of votives.  Pick fresh flowers from your garden.  Cut greenery from your yard that can be used as filler in your vases.  Pick up some colorful Gerber Daisies at the grocery store and make your own simple arrangements which help create a shabby sheek look.

Last but not least, pick some great background music with an ipod station, cd player, or satellite radio station on TV to help complete your very own dinner party.  When it’s all over and done, be sure to celebrate with a glass of champagne!

I would like to thank friends and culinary experts Laura Dees of Soiree Catering & Events and Mike DeSorbo of Culinary Productions for their help with this article!