Invite a few friends over for a delicious, homemade dinner this month. The Wildwood Park Blog has tips and tricks to help you throw a successful dinner party with friends. Whip up a batch of your famous mashed potatoes and celebrate the new year with a dinner party here in Arlington, VA.
Introductions
Introduce your guests to each other and encourage conversation by sharing some facts about each guest. Another fun idea is to have your guests who do not know each other “interview” each other and then share what they found out with everybody.
Lighting
The level of light can influence the mood of your dinner party. Setting the lights low creates a more intimate feel to the gathering. If you have a dimmer switch, use it. If not, consider using white twinkle lights, candles, or lanterns to create a softer glow.
Tablecloth
A linen tablecloth with matching or contrasting linen napkins creates an elegant base for setting your table. Fresh-cut flowers add a nice touch to any table as well. For a casual dinner go with bright colors and prints.
Centerpieces
For flowers or other centerpieces, choose an arrangement that is low enough so your guests can see each other over the top of it. If you have a lovely arrangement that is too tall, place it on a shelf or a different table for guests to enjoy. If you are doing a themed dinner, centerpieces are a good way to solidify the theme.
Music
Soft music playing in the background adds ambience to your party. Create a playlist that will complement, not compete, with conversation. Instrumental music is a good choice, and jazz works nicely. Or you can choose a selection of classical music to play. Check the volume beforehand to make certain your guests can converse easily.
Activities
Plan some activities to implement in case conversation lags. Card games, trivia games, or getting-to-know-you games can cover awkward gaps.
Hosting a dinner party can be a lot of fun. We hope these tips will help you succeed. Thanks for reading today’s blog!