How To Prepare For A Formal Dinner Party

by Mary Grayson Interior Designer

Although we may have family or friends over to our home on a regular basis and we may even share a meal with them that does not necessarily mean that we are prepared for having a more formal dinner party. This is something that often takes people by surprise but it does not need to be a stressful event, if you keep just a few things in mind. Here are some tips that can help you through the process so that you can make the most of the evening and make an impression that will be a good one.

One important thing to consider when preparing for any type of formal event is the appearance of the home. This is something that should be kept up at anytime but you should definitely de-clutter and thoroughly clean the home in advance of having the events. If at all possible, hire some help to reduce the amount of time that you spend on this process or have family and friends help you, if they are willing. They say that many hands help to make the load light and this is certainly true when you are preparing your home for such an event.

Have you considered the table settings that you are going to use? You would certainly want to have some upgraded dinnerware, such as Juliska Berry and Thread or another similar designer as well as having the right centerpiece, such as something with a Jan Barboglio vase. Instead of waiting until the night of the dinner party to get everything set up, make sure that you have a few dry runs so that you know that everything is just as it should be. This will help to reduce the amount of stress that you feel when the day is approaching. It would also be to your benefit to set the table the night before the party so that you do not need to worry about it during the day of the events.

Have you considered the theme of the home? This is something that many people make considered to be above and beyond but it really can make a difference, if you hope to carry the theme of the event throughout the home. It does not need to be anything large, such as repainting a room or perhaps moving around the furniture but simply adding a touch here or there can really help to make a difference. Not everybody is going to recognize these extra touches but those that do will truly appreciate it.

One other thing that you would want to consider is the way in which people will be invited to the party. If it is something that is formal, make sure that you give the invitations the attention that they need. Include information on the invitations such as the attire, what is going to be served, the time that they should arrive and directions to your home. Make sure that you leave a little bit of extra time between the arrival time and the time the dinner is served, as people will be fashionably late.

The author of this article is a professional party planner and interior designer. The hottest home decor for 2013 is the Jan Barboglio vase and the Juliska berry and thread.