Gourmet-Licious Dinner Party Tips

Many dinner parties wind up being a huge preparation event for the host, which often times take the fun out of the party. It does not have to be that way if the host sticks to a schedule. If the schedule is tight, enlist a friend or two, and please always do your shopping a few days before hand. This allows you time in case you forget something at the last minute. A schedule and budget can make life a whole lot easier, along with The Gourmet-Licious Cookbook has customized menus and recipes.

Send your invitation at least 30 days ahead of time. People are very busy and need time to plan. You would like to have everyone on your list able to make the date of your party. Try to make your invitations surround the theme of the party. You want to get your guests excited about the event, so make sure the design sets the mood. Include the time, location with directions, theme, and if there will be a dress code. Ask your guests to rsvp by a certain date and don't be shy about calling them if they have not responded. The invitation could have been lost in the mail or it could have slipped their mind. Don't just presume that they do not want to attend. When it comes to the menu, don't give that information away, let it be a delicious surprise. The menu is very easy when you follow the customized plans in the cookbook. You never have to worry about coordinating your meal. All the work is done for you. If would be a great idea to test some of the meals on your family before you cook for a larger audience. You don't have to prepare the full five course, just choose one main dish to sample.

Choosing a theme should be fun and easy. Ask yourself why you are hosting the party and think about the guests you have chosen to invite.

Dinner Party Theme Ideas:

Fun Board Games that require a ton of ineraction

Movie Genre

Special showings on television, such as Academy Awards, Grammies, or television specials

Elegant black and white theme

Jeans and dinner jacket theme

You can ask your guests to wear a certain color for the event

Murder Mystery

Masquerade Party

Academy Awards Dinner Party

Beach Dinner Party

Victorian Dinner Party

Progressive Parties

Girl's Night Out

Hawaiian Night

Thai Dinner Party

Greek Dinner Party

Titanic Dinner Party

Hollywood Dinner Party

50's Party Theme

70's Party Theme

80's Party Theme

Mardi Gras Dinner Party

Casino Theme Party

Las Vegas Theme Party

Paris Dinner Party

Moroccan Dinner Party

Western Dinner Party

James Bond Dinner Party

Instead of using the typical place setting cards of your guests for the table, get white invitation sized envelopes and place a colored copy of the menu inside that you have chosen from The Gourmet-Licious Entertaining.

Every dinner party should have soft music playing in the background, or loud music, depending upon your theme. If it is a fun upbeat dinner party that envolves games and a lot of noise, the music tempo can be faster.

Candles can be used on the table, but make sure to have candles strategically placed throughout to give your home great ambiance. The candles should have a subtle scent, but never over-power the home. The main decorating should be surrounded by your theme. Use the internet to locate pictures of your theme and place them in frames if you like. Make sure you have plenty of colorful flowers as well.

When planning the party, don't forget that people will want to mingle before and after dinner. Make sure that your furniture is arranged so that mingling is not awkward for your guests.

The entertainment goes back to the reason you are hosting the party. If it is for the Academy Awards or any television show, make sure that you pace the meal accordingly. If the theme is around games, the time can be a little more flexible, taking into consideration that guests will want to leave at a certain time. Often, guests get so wrapped up in conversation during the meal that there is little time for the entertainment. It is your job to stick to the schedule.

At the end of the party, give your guests favors. This can include something simple like candy in small tins wrapped with a little lace, a nice candle, or a small token related to the theme of the party.

You may also want to send thank you cards after the event.

Above all, just have fun! This is an excellent time to gather and welcome guests into your home.

Remember to order the convenient Gourmetlicious cookbook, which includes fully customized five course menus and recipes. It makes hosting your party a snap!