LIFESTYLE: How To Throw A Fabulous, Effortless Dinner Party

My good friend and personal chef, Shauna Sincerely and I have decided to throw a dinner party together to celebrate an amazing year filled with accomplishments on both ends. When she pitched the idea to me, I hesitated because of the amount of planning involved. I just couldn’t wrap my head around all the details that come along with entertaining a crowd without stressing out about what to wear, who to invite, what items should be on the menu, how to keep the atmosphere engaging and entertaining, etc. It’s a lot to process and I am no pro when it comes to this kind of event. My mother and aunts, on the other hand, make it look so damn easy. My family is really big on making every holiday an extravaganza. I have a large [no, you don't understand, I mean LARGE] family and we make it a point to get together as often as we can. It makes me think about trying a ‘lil something and just to see what happens. It could be something truly beautiful or it could be a complete disaster and there’s only one way to find out. I did some research online and found some fabulous tips. So let’s get started!

1. EYE-CATCHING INVITATIONS 
Make it count. First impressions are everything. For a party that has 8-10 guests, you may want to call around and invite your friends verbally because hearing your voice does add a special touch to the occasion. But my dinner party is probably looking like 30-40 guests so I am taking it up a notch and currently on the hunt for the perfect invitations to send out. Your invite should include the following:

a) Dress Code - This is the first thing every woman will be wondering
b) Time - This always puzzles me because no matter what time you actually write down, there are always those individuals who want to be fashionably late – smh
c) What to bring – If it’s a potluck, be clear about the food items you require
d) Address & map – Go the extra mile and create a map for your guests. The worst part about attending an event is getting lost in the process of getting there.

2. HAVE ENOUGH SEATS AND CUTLERY
Seriously, how fun is it to eat a plate of food standing up? Not very. Guests should not have to fit two bums to a seat either. The solution is simple. Rental companies like Chair-man Mills offer great rental options for everything from tables, chairs, table decor, candles, tents, etc. Every-damn-thing imaginable. So there’s really no excuse as to why anyone should have to suffer and be uncomfortable in a space that’s meant to be enjoyable and welcoming.

3. CHOOSE THE MENU
Since Shauna is the expert in this area, I’m going to leave the menu choices mainly up to her. My advice is to keep it simple. That’s probably the route we are going to take aswell. Once you decide on the food dishes, then you should go through your fridge and pantry and make a list of what items you need. TIP: A few days before the dinner party, re-confirm who will be in attendance. You can adjust your grocery list at this time and breathe a little easier because you are a few steps ahead of the game.

4. MASTER THE MUSIC
You can’t please everybody, so play a good, strong mix of different types of music- go heavy on the classics! Spread out a few speakers around the house and play the music at a level where everyone won’t burst their eardrums.

5. KIDS
I went to a wedding a few weeks ago and kids were climbing up the walls, hopping from chair to chair, crying for their mothers and playing hide-and-go-seek.  I was not impressed and I’m sure I can speak for the other adults in the room as well. But I won’t go as far as to tell you not to include children because to be honest, I love and adore children. But you have to access the environment. If you’re having a BBQ then okay, cool. But if you are planning a sexy night out for a few friends and couples, then I don’t suggest you do.

6. PRESENTATION
Start by cleaning your house from top to bottom! You laugh, but to some people this tip is not that obvious. Remember in point #1 I told you that first impressions are everything? Yes, well the last thing you want is for your guests to be chatting you up because you didn’t take the time to dust, mop the floors, wash the windows, put out clean towels, scrub the toilets, and vacuum. C’mon, use those muscles. You can do it! Take pride in all that you do, which means your appearance tops the list as well. Of course, you can never go wrong with a LBD (Little Black Dress), but a punch of color always makes people feel warm and brings out their beautiful smiles. Yes, you are the host and you will be running around like a crazy person, but that’s no excuse to look sloppy! [Run around like a cute crazy person haha] It’s more than likely that your guests have put on their best attire, so take the time to look sharp as well. You should set the tone for the party. Keep it simple, yet fabulous! Your guests will appreciate it and I promise, you’ll feel your best which means that you will give your best to everyone in the room!

Did I miss anything? Meet me in the comment section of this post.

Wish me luck on planning my first ever dinner party!

Peace & Love,

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