Entertaining at Home

Whether you’re planning a formal dinner party or an informal sit-down meal, a buffet, a shower or a party.
Here’s a few tips and suggestions that you might find helpful when you’re entertaining at home.

❀ Keep it simple.

❀ Depending on the occasion and if appropriate, plan your guest list, menu, theme, decorations, centerpiece, games, gifts and favors well in advance.

❀ Make lists and check them off when you complete a task, or have shopped for an item or ingredient.

❀ For a sit-down meal its a good idea to stick to recipes that you have made before, and been happy with the result.

❀ Setting your table prettily or elegantly to suit the occasion will set the mood of the event and help to get your party off to a good start.

❀ Choosing a simple table centerpiece such as an arrangement of fresh flowers, or items that tie in with the time of year or an event will help to decorate your table and add to the ambiance of the occasion.

❀ Don’t forget to make sure you have enough plates, cutlery, glasses and linen.

❀ Background music is a good idea as music can help to lighten or set the mood of an event.

❀ Allow plenty of time to decorate a room or garden, making a centerpiece, setting the table, preparing the food and getting yourself, and if appropriate your family, ready – these always take longer than you think.

❀ Remember to make sure your bathroom is ready for your guests, with fresh towels etc.

❀ If possible try and enlist the help of a relative or friend.

❀ Stay calm and enjoy the party.