Yes, the generally feared dinner party! This kind of party scares even the most experienced party planner off. However, no need to fear. A diner party can be a perfect opportunity for people to get to know each other (better) and enjoy themselves, while they take some good food.
Are you the cook and waiter yourself? A maximum of 10 persons on your guest list is required then. If you plan to invite more than 10 persons, you have to reconsider your options, by turning your dinner party into a buffet or by hiring a caterer who does the cooking and serving for you.
There is no need to add any more stress to your party planning. Cause as all guests you want to have a great time too! When you are having a good time, it will reflect on your guest and they will enjoy themselves too.
The Buffet
If your guest list is larger and you want to serve food at your party, you better reconsider your plans and host a buffet. A lot of the preparation can be done in advance. Besides that, the food service aspect preparing a buffet is far less labor intensive compared to an average diner party.
You only need to take care that there is a place to sit for every guest when eating.
For this type of party, the demands are quite easy. Wine, beer and nonalcoholic drinks are the only beverages needed. You may serve cocktails, if you want to, but they are not expected or necessary.
When you are serving hot food, you will need hot plates, chafing dishes, and some professional help to operate them.
Further requirements are an adequate amount of serving trays, plates, cutlery and glass for all guests, as well as a large table for the food and a smaller table for the drinks.
At any time during the day, you can host a party like this, whether it is a brunch, a lunch or a dinner in buffet style. A buffet always lasts for about three hours, no matter what time of day you host it.
A holiday or a housewarming party is the perfect ambiance for this kind of party. The coming and going of guests is normally equally spread over the party. It allows you to invite more guests than you would do on a normal buffet.
Aha, you say you do not have a special purpose for hosting this party, no birthday celebration, no anniversary, not even a housewarming or going away party, you are hosting it because you want to invite some friends over to have a good time. That is your business! Oh, you are not quite sure where to start, I see! What? You are at a complete loss?