Meal Preparation: Start by taking the time to read through all the recipes you will prepare. Once again, don’t be intimidated if you lack cooking experience. Recipes are simply a set of instructions. If you can follow instructions, you can accomplish a recipe. If you are hesitant to tackle an entire menu, start out by preparing one recipe at a time until you gain a bit of confidence. If you have very little or no cooking experience, I recommend that you prepare the main recipes a couple of weeks in advance of your event. This will give you more confidence on the day of your dinner party. Another great tip is to prepare the main meal items and purchase a delicious dessert from a favorite bakery. Or substitute one of the recipes with a tasty side dish that you already know how to prepare well. I go into that in much more depth in my book Easy Entertaining for Beginners.
Drink Suggestions: Cosmopolitans
Wine: merlot, cabernet sauvignon, Bordeaux
Table Setting Suggestions: Beautiful table settings have inspired many fabulous dinner party ideas. If you have a beautiful tablecloth, use it for this setting. Use cloth napkins and placemats if you have them and your best dishware. Discount stores carry inexpensive cloth tablecloths. This can give your table a very different look from the everyday. Set out the silverware and the salad plates in individual place settings. Put the dinner plates in the kitchen since you will be plating this dinner individually. Fresh flowers in a low vase would be a lovely addition, and if you would like to use candles, be sure they are unscented. Don’t forget salt and pepper on the table and a glass of water for each person in addition to a wine glass, if serving wine.
