How to Host a Top Dinner Party

We've all done it - invited 10 people around for dinner and then spent the next week or so gritting our teeth as we realise what we've let ourselves in for.   The day arrives and having run ourselves ragged, we shuffle through the meal before collapsing on the sofa - cursing the impetus that drove us to hold a dinner party.

But surely, that can't be the right approach. What about that wine adverts when everyone looks like they are having a good time?  It that really just advertising or at some point has someone really enjoyed throwing a dinner party?

Well, having spoken to a few people about this, I have discovered a few hints that generally mean you don't feel like hiding behind the sofa when the doorbell rings.

1. Check with your guests what their allergies are.   Having tried to feed one of my best male friends new girlfriend (now wife) pesto garlic bread and then learnt she has a severe nut allergy - I would recommend this.  Apparently killing your guests is not a good idea
2. Keep it simple stupid  - Unless, you are feeding your husbands boss (or a potential mother in law), most people are not going to notice that your dishes are simple, if they are tasty.  Most people don't actually want souffle when they go over to a friends house to eat - they notice the atmosphere.
3. Use good ingredients - It sounds simple and I rather guess that as a foodie you know this but if your ingredients are good then it is easier.  Not necessarily more expensive, I know that Tomatoes at my local Turkish are far better than the more expensive Waitrose versions.
4. Create a theme - This sounds quite complex but you want all your courses to work together so by creating a theme, things should work.  However, it doesn't need to be taken too far so while I might do Tom Yam Soup and Thai Red Curry, I don't like Thai desserts so go for Coconut ice cream (sympathetic but not authentic)
5. For the love of all that is holy, write a list  - Select the recipes, write a list of ingredients and do a time line for cooking it. 10 minutes of planning at the start of the week means that not only will you have time to get everything but less panicking when D-day arrives.
6. Don't be afraid to pre-prepare some of your dishes - If you leave everything to prepare when your guest arrive, you will not only not spend time with them but you will also give yourself some sort of heart attack.  One of my favourite dishes as a starter is really good butternut soup with home made bread - both of these can be made the day before. 
7. Over-cater - I'm South African and when we have a dinner party, we cook for South African men.  These are delightful creatures who if underfed are very cranky so naturally, I make a little more.  Not only does this mean that you get leftovers but also, if you have an additional guest then you won't find that you are gingerly cutting up a chicken breast to feed two.
8. Short cuts are not cheating, this is your mental health you are playing with - If I don't have time then buying precut beans is not going to mean the end of the world nor is using the microwave to soften some butter or getting the man to chop something.  While MasterChef expects you to make your own custard, most people won't know if you are using BirdsEye
9. Draft in extra help - Can I help you clear the table?  Yes, love it!   Ooo, do you need help clearing up?  Yes!   One of the biggest mistakes at a dinner party is to turn down help from either your family before hand or from the guests.  It makes it less formal and helps you to spend more time with your guests.
10. Remember is it supposed to be FUN - Plan, manage the stress and don't forget to enjoy yourself.  It is supposed to be fun - have a drink, have a laugh and remember that it is a dinner party not Britain's Got Talent!

Good luck

Lx

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