In the first in our series of Perfect Hosting ideas, we help you host a truly perfect memorable dinner party that will have all your guests asking for seconds.

When you picture hosting the perfect dinner party, you probably imagine showing off your home to good friends, enjoying delicious food, sipping wine and having interesting conversations in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

With our three golden rules for hosting the perfect dinner party, you and your guests can have a fantastic evening with good food and great company.

1         Plan and Prepare

Dinner parties are a fantastic excuse to show off your home, so make sure it looks its best for your guests. Pay attention to the little touches like soft towels and fragrant soaps in the bathroom, and flattering lighting in the dining space.

Set up attractive table settings with your best glasses and crockery, and make sure the table is laid with everything you will need to enjoy a relaxing night of food and drink in easy reach.

2       Choose Something Simple and Do It Well

When it comes to the food, your guests will be hoping for something delicious and moreish, while you will be hoping to spend less time over the stove and more time enjoying the party. The best way to keep everyone happy is to choose simple and tasty dishes that you already know you can cook well.

Looking for some menu inspiration?

Starter

For a simple and tasty starter, try a continental mezze-style starter platter with lots of fresh, delicious ingredients and small dishes. Not only can your guests pick and choose the foods they love from your selection, this style of dining also encourages them to start chatting early in the evening. This is also a fantastic starter idea when you have lots of different dietary requirements around the table.

Main Course

Keep main courses simple with delicious one-pot dishes. If you don’t have a staple one-pot recipe that you can serve, try this mouth-watering Spanish Chicken served with crushed potatoes and salad, or Moroccan spiced lamb and chickpeas served with fragrant rice.

Dessert

The very best dinner party desserts are simple, light, traditional dishes that make a great accompaniment to any menu. We think your guests will love a simple Eton Mess of strawberries, fresh cream and meringues, or a delicious Scottish Cranachan with raspberries, cream, oats, honey and a little bit of whisky.

3       Have Fun

The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your guests will be, so remember this is a social occasion and take the time to actually enjoy your evening with friends.

Take regular breaks from the kitchen and join in with your guests’ lively chatter, and be sure to have a bottle of wine in hand to top up everyone’s glasses! Think about what people might like to do after the meal ends, whether it’s listening to music, playing board games or even a bit of charades. They might even want to spend a bit of time indulging in a second helping of that delicious dessert.  

At Stewart Milne Homes, we create new homes that consider all of your needs and desires, including the perfect space for entertaining dinner guests and well-appointed kitchens with integrated appliances to help you cook delicious dishes.

Start the search for a new home with a stunning and spacious dining room today.