With summer just around the corner and the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to pull out the silver and get ready to greet your guests. Planning is important when it comes to entertaining guests and hosting a flawless dinner party; so below we have compiled some top tips for hosting the perfect summer dinner party.
Give a warm greeting: Start the night off right and when your guests arrive make sure to give them a warm and friendly greeting. Have nibbles and drinks nearby so that you are ready for your guests.
Offer a drink: Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic alternatives such as Aqua Panna Still Mineral Water or S.Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water to cleanse the palate. Or get into the festive spirit with Sanpellegrino’s deliciously authentic Italian Sparkling Fruit Beverages.
Setting the Scene : Set the scene the moment your guests walk through the door, dress the table with candles and beautiful floral displays. Be smart with lighting if the dinner is inside, make sure all rooms your guests will visit have the same atmosphere and light flow. Subtle background music is always welcomed, just don’t make it too loud.
Canapes to start: Start your dinner party off with a light-bite – something that brings together the flavours of summer in a mouthful. Go for bite-sized versions of your favorite seasonal meals.
Get the Sequence Right: It’s always a good idea to follow the correct sequence, and match your food with your beverages. Start with refreshing, light and acidic dishes to open up the palate, pair this with a Pinot Grigio and Aqua Panna. Work your way through the more protein and starch focused dishes and finish the evening with fruit based desserts so that guests don’t feel bloated.
The guest list: Determine how many people you can comfortably fit inside your apartment or home. You don’t want to create a chaotic atmosphere with people bumping into each other at every turn.
It’s all about the prep: Do prep as much and as far in advance as you can. Think about those precious moments before the doorbell rings. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and try to remind your partner not to mention that thing you told them about that guest.
Consider dietary requirements: Vegan, only organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo, sugar-free – dietary restrictions are becoming more and more common, so try and take your guests dietary requirements into consideration when you’re planning your menu.
