How to Host a Stress Free Small Dinner Party at Home
Yes you can enjoy your own dinner party! The 3 keys to hosting a stress-free dinner party are to keep it simple, do as many chores as you can ahead of the big day, and prepare as many dishes as you can ahead of your guests' arrival.
Steps
Keep it simple: Limit the guest list to eight people, six is even better. Choose a neutral table setting that lets your colorful centerpiece flowers pop. Serve no more than three courses. Feature only one "fancy" dish. Plan a mostly make ahead menu with few items that need last minute kitchen time.
Do ahead. Two weeks in advance, invite your guests and choose a menu with mostly make-ahead dishes. A few days ahead, shop for the non-perishables and clean house. The day ahead, shop for the perishables and set the dinner table and do a last minute clean of the bathroom and living room. Prepare your make-ahead recipes the day before or in the morning of your dinner party.
Tips
Remember that your guests are the real stars of the evening, not your food. The food is only your pleasant excuse for getting together, so don't worry about putting on a gourmet restaurant spread.
Never serve a dish you haven't made before. This way you avoid disasters like apologising for a recipe that doesn't taste the way you hoped it would.
You are part of the company and your guests expect to talk with you. Keeping it simple means you get to spend time with your guests instead of in the kitchen.
Don't get nervous about choosing wine. If you're not sure what to serve, just go to your local wine store and ask for something simple and inexpensive that most people are likely to enjoy. Remember people love to give advice, and wine store staff are no different!
Check the ingredient list for every recipe against your pantry contents. Make sure you already have the item on hand or add it to your shopping list. This has the added bonus of preventing you from buying duplicates!
In your last minute schedule be sure to include time for you to get dressed, set out the appetizers, put on the dinner music and - yes - sit down for a few minutes before your guests arrive. Wow! What a stress-free way to start enjoying your own dinner party.
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Info for Long Hill Limousine Service
The Long Hill Green is a triangular parcel in the center of the village of Long Hill at the junction of the Newtown Turnpike, Broadway and Whitney Avenue. References are made to it being "beautified" by its "co-owners" after it was purchased in 1920 with evergreens and red barberry bushes planted in each corner, and other "plants, trees and flowers" donated yearly.
However, today it is an open expanse with three mature evergreens and a large shade tree.Additional young trees have recently been planted, primarily toward the southern tip. The focal point is a new gazebo near the northern end. Near it is a picnic table. At the southern end is a flagpole, several benches and a boulder commemorating those who purchased the property to set aside as a green. Parking has recently been added across the street north of the green where an area has recently been graded, seeded and planted with young trees. Additional parking has also been added on the green itself on the eastern side across from a commercial establishment.
The green is well maintained but has a feeling of newness about it despite the fact that it has been a green in its present configuration for over 80 years.
Long Hill Limousines (800) 720-2021
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