The Pampered Introvert

It’s time for an Italian dinner party. I purchased some new wines for taste testing and I found on Pinterest the copycat recipe of Carrabba’s dipping oil. All that’s left is my son’s guaranteed-for-delicious spaghetti sauce recipe and add the finishing touches to the menu. I love dinner parties and will use any excuse for friends to stop by. Today I liked to share a few tips I use to create a fun dinner party.

What makes a great dinner party? Besides food, wine, and friends, what are the easiest ways to set a dinner party atmosphere? Well, here are my own top tips for creating the dinner party atmosphere. They are all really simple .

Before, I give you my tips, there is one important thing and it is the most important. To invite friends who are your friends and who you enjoy around your table. Whether you are serving a simple dish , grilling or several courses, your guests are here to spend time with you. This feeling comes from the heart and a relaxed and hospitable party begins it. The spirit of the hostess carries the party.

My favorite time of the day for a party to begin is dusk. Whether you are serving the meal from your deck , back porch or dining area, as evening sets in, people tend to relax and are ready to enjoy cocktails and conversation.

My first tip is to turn down the lights. It is the easiest thing to do and sets a tone of peacefulness.   Secondly, I light candles. You can purchase tea lights and place them in clear glass containers. Candles add movement and warmth to a table. They don’t have to be an expensive habit. I own the Luminara Real-Frame Effect candles that operate with a rechargeable battery. The flame appears so real. I never have to worry about fire, plus honestly, in the long run, they are less expensive than real candles.

Another tip is use fabric napkins. People enjoy the feel of fabric and they add a gracious touch to the table. They don’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can make your own .

Source: www.lfinderhof.com

 

Be sure to bring the outdoors inside. It doesn’t have to be lavish, like a florist centerpiece. Whatever is growing in your yard, can be placed near the candles or even spread a little greenery and flowers throughout the serving dishes.

Always  have water and water glasses on the water and remember the salt and pepper. I add pitcher of water at each end of the table and several sets of salt and pepper.

Source: www.elizabethannedesigns.com

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the music. My pastime is dance and most of all my friends are dancers. So naturally, we love our music. I use Pandora and have preselected stations that play our favorite tunes. I set it on shuffle and it is like we have our own DJ in the booth. 

By the time, we have finished our meal, we are usually ready for another cocktail and enjoy dancing and learning new steps from each other on the deck.  We take the party outside , by the tabletop firepit  and  enjoy as the night moves in.