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Organising a great dinner party can take lots of time, effort and money. But sometimes on the night you find yourself too busy cooking, cleaning and organising to be able to enjoy your own party. This problem is easily avoided. Simply follow our tips to ensure you enjoy your party as much as your guests.

Hosting

Planning

Preparation is the key. Thoroughly clean your house the day before the party. If possible choose a menu that can be prepared entirely in advance. Meals such as curries, stews, lasagne and soups generally taste better when made the day before. Only salads and vegetables need to be prepared on the day.

Make a shopping list well in advance. The list will be split in two halves - the things you can buy early and store in the pantry and freezer, and perishables which will be bought the day before the party. Check the list thoroughly as there is nothing more aggravating than to have to stop on the day of the party and rush out to buy some forgotten item.

Less experienced hosts will find a checklist a lifesaver and you can be secure in the knowledge that all aspects of entertaining at home have been considered. The result is a relaxed and confident host who is ready to impress and enjoy their own party to the fullest. Try our Home Entertaining checklist.

Invitations

Written and personally designed invitations are a great idea, although these days sometimes a simple E-Mail may suffice. Don't forget the invitation basics such as when, where, why, RSVP...... Specify when the party will start and finish and let your guests know what the dress code for the night is. ie. formal, semi formal, come as you are, fancy dress, etc. Finally don't forget to tell your guests what they need to bring and what you are supplying.

Where possible limit the guest list to people you are comfortable with. Therefore you can spend the night being your natural self and not obsessed with trying to impress and minding your Ps and Qs .

Alcohol

If guests are supposed to bring their own alcohol don't forget to tell them on the invitation.

If serving spirits or cocktails don't forget the ice. Make your own ice in advance as it tastes better and is much healthier.

Don't forget to supply non-alcoholic drinks for the non drinkers and designated drivers. A non-alcoholic punch is always a great idea.

If there is not enough room in the fridge for the drinks, organise a large esky.

What glass to use for what drink, click here.

If you are only serving wine at your party, you should budget for approximately 3 glasses per guest. (In a regular bottle of wine there are 4 glasses). For tips on food to compliment your choice of wine, click here.

What are the most popular wines and party drinks in Australia. Check out our Top 10.

Preparing the House

Make your house say welcome. Ensure the rooms are spic-and-span, especially the bathroom, but leave your family mementos out as this makes the house feel like a home. Chairs are to be arranged for conversation or removed altogether for more room to mingle. Soft background music and even a small red rug at the door (the red carpet entrance) provide a stylish touch.

For tips on setting a formal table, click here.

Creative lighting adds to the atmosphere. Try low wattage bulbs, trendy lamps or the ever fashionable lava lamp.

A scented candle in the bathroom is a nice touch. Don't forget extra towels and toilet rolls.

Lastly designate an outside smoking area for the now endangered breed of smokers. Don't forget an ashtray otherwise the smoke butts will end up all around your garden.

Party Time

Be impeccably groomed when guests arrive. Meet all guests as they enter, provide a short tour of the house for those guests unfamiliar with your abode (particularly bathroom location), offer them a drink and some pre-dinner nibblies, and introduce them to other guests they may be unfamiliar with.

Adult parties generally generate their own entertainment if the majority of the guests are already acquainted. Therefore organising entertainment other than a good selection of music is generally unnecessary. However, if you do feel adventurous and want to organise a few games for the guests try our party games page.

Do not eat or drink too much yourself. A healthy host is the best host.

Leave the cleaning up until the party has finished.

Switch seats during the night so you have the chance to talk to everyone.

A Pleasant Ending

Be sure to have plenty of coffee, tea, cold water and some light snacks for late in the evening.

Be responsible for your guests. If some have had too much to drink, do not let them drive home. Either ring a taxi, organise someone else to give them a lift home or offer a bed for the night.

If you have some great party tips for us try entering our competition.
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