When you want to take the inspiration you gained from enjoying the food of your private wedding caterer, and put on a show, what do you do?
Well, you can get busy in the kitchen and plan the perfect dinner party that will be talked about for years to come. It might be easier said than done, and that may well be the case when you start to think about all the other bits and pieces you need to source, besides the food itself. Here’a few ideas to get things moving.
Prepare your kitchen from top to bottom
When you want to be able to cook for a dozen of your friends and family, you’re going to need plenty of space to work in. Tidying up the kitchen worktops is the perfect place to start as it will give you a lot more free space to work with.
Put away as much stuff as you can in the cupboards for now, and lay out all the pans, pots, and cooking dishes you’ll need. Just seeing everything at the same time will make it a lot easier to figure out how to coordinate things.
Request RSVPs so last-minute cancellations are never an issue
You’re not a restaurant, so asking for RSVPs is completely normal. It’s a safe way to make sure you don’t have too much going to waste, or that you don’t run out and have to skimp on the portion sizes. Get them out nice and early and you should be able to avoid any last minute rushes.
Double check special dietary requirements
It’s always worth double checking the dietary requirements of your guests. This will be doubly true if you’ve never eaten Spanish cuisine together. Check that they know what ingredients to expect, and you’ll have plenty of time to rustle up some tasty alternatives if need be.
Create a table plan so the conversation flows
The art of conversation is what provides the perfect compliment to your tasty morsels. If you want to ensure your guests feel relaxed and at ease, then creating a table plan is often the way to go. You might think it’s a bit over the top, but if you’re introducing different friendship groups for the first time, then it might help everyone bond a little easier.
Add some fresh flowers and candles
No dinner party would be complete without a table centrepiece that adds to the ambience. Fresh cut flowers are always a nice choice, and why not add a few candles along the table whilst you’re at it? That way you can create a relaxing and homely ambience that will instantly set your guests at ease.
Choose the right wine to go with your stunning menu
Having the right wine is just as important as structuring your menu so that it moves smoothly from one course to the next. Plan your meals first, and then your choice of wine will fall right into place.