Five tips to impress your dinner guests

Written By Kim Manunui

You’ve decided to throw a dinner party, but you’re not totally sure of what you should do for it to be a success. Your guest list is filled with friends and family, so you want to make sure they are impressed. The following five tips can help you create the perfect dinner party your guests will never forget!

1. Have a beautifully well-set table 
The table is one of the most important parts of your dinner party. It's not just a place to sit and eat but sets the scene. There are many different styles of setting tables. The simplest way to create a great table setting is to use a theme throughout your dinner party. Use a tablecloth or runners on top of your regular dining table. Set up candles and flowers to create ambiance and add extra color to your dining room. Don’t forget to make it practical as well as beautiful. Ensure there are enough chairs, crockery, and cutlery for your guests, and set it up before your guests arrive. Pinterest or Instagram are free and easy to gain inspiration!

2. Have your glassware easily accessible with an ice bucket and tongs
Pre-dinner drinks are a great way for people to relax upon arrival. An ice bucket with tongs is classy and effective for keeping drinks cold while you're waiting for guests to arrive - make them feel like a VIP! Having those items out on display allows your guests to serve themselves and allows you to relax and focus on hosting the party. Ensure you have enough glassware for your guests and that they are thoroughly clean and dry before guests arrive — no one wants to drink wine from a dirty glass! Don’t forget the corkscrew if your wine has a cork!


3. Everyone loves pre-dinner cocktails, be sure to have an alcohol free one available
It's always a good idea to have a non-alcoholic option for anyone that doesn't want to drink. If you're hosting a dinner party, wine is not always the best option for non-drinkers or driving home after the party. Beer, cider, and mocktails also make excellent choices for those who want something besides water with their meal.


4. Check for any food allergies or preferences well in advance
Guests will be impressed and grateful if you've taken the time to check for any food allergies or preferences well in advance, rather than getting caught out on the evening. Not only does this show how much you care, but it also allows you to take control of the menu and make sure everyone is happy. You don't want to find out on the night that one of your guests is vegetarian or that another doesn't eat shellfish.


5. Match your wine with your food
Just because it’s great food and great wine it doesn't mean they will compliment each other. A good way to impress your dinner guests is to ask your local wine merchant for a recommendation specific to what you are serving. They should be able to make suggestions based on the type of dish that you are serving, as well as your budget.

There you have it; five tips to ensure you look like a dinner party pro. It can be a daunting task to pull off a special dinner party but proper planning will eliminate many potential problems.

When all is said and done…
the most important thing is to have a good time.

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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