Tips and Tricks to a Perfect Dinner Party!

I dont know about you, but planning big dinner parties tends to give me the stress-butterflies. You know what I’m talking about, the cooking, the shopping and the most important – the perfect atmosphere. So, with the holidays coming up in no time, I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips and tricks to a perfect (stress-free) dinner party that I recently learned from the awesome OurKitchen team, as well as a few of my own tested tips that I find super handy on those eventful days.

* Always try to use seasonal foods as they are fresher, tastier and cheaper.

* Simple (few ingredients) dishes are always a YES and least stressful to make.

* Slow cooking meat will make preparation on the day much easier. You can prepare the meat in the morning and let it cook all day.

* You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have good wine that matches your food. Don’t be shy to ask your retailer for advice. Also, don’t forget about non-alcoholic homemade drinks for guests who drive. (I find serving minted rose water or lavender lemonade to be a huge hit with my guests).

* Always make a shopping list and don’t forget to include alternatives to avoid panic attacks (Pecans alternative: hazelnuts or walnuts).

* Fresh flowers, beautiful napkins, vanilla or fig scented candles (in a mason or vintage jars) and name tags will make your table feel welcoming and oh-so-snazzy!

* My favourite: give guests edible favors to take home (those little boxes  and snack bags are perfect for after-party treats or leftovers).

* One thing I find really helpful is a plate with cheese, fruits, nuts, jam and fresh bread before the dinner so guests can mingle and nibble while you put the finishing touches on the food. (This is my favourite combination, but this set up looks pretty cool too).

* For Balazs and I a bit of music in the background is a must. We find that jazz, Norah Jones, some Adele or blues relaxes people and puts them in a good mood.

* If, for some reason, the after-dinner conversation is not flowing, games will save the day. (We love Catchphrase, Taboo, Monopoly or Jenga).

Most of all, it's all about having the time of your life! Enjoy! Lovelies, what are your go-to party planning tips? Do share:) xo

P.S: Table setting rules.

(Thanks, Sara. Photos by Kinfolk, Marcus Gaab, rose & crown, A perfet counrty wedding, Sprouted Kitchen & Sunday Suppers)

Dîner en Blanc Parisian Style

Just a few weeks ago, on one of those hot summer nights, thousands of Parisians gathered to enjoy this annual fancy dinner party. The guests, all dressed in white, dined under the stars on this appropriately named event: Dîner en Blanc, which is held at two of the city’s most desirable locations: the plaza at the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the courtyard of the Louvre.

It all started in 1988 when François Pasquier, after his time abroad, held an outdoor dinner party to reconnect with friends. So many of them wanted to join in that he asked them to wear white, so they could all find each other and meet up at the Bois de Boulogne.

The fascinating thing is that the whole planning and preparation is very mysterious and the guests are invited strictly by social networks and through friends. There are very strick rules that every group must follow. First of all, the guests bring their own tables, table settings and food. Plus, everything must be white: the tables, the napkins, the candles...and of course the dress.

At 9 pm everybody gathers on the secret locations and that's when the fun begins: an incredible experience filled with breathtaking views, live jazz music, chatter and delicious food. In true Cinderella fashion, the party ends at midnight sharp, and all of a sudden everyone packs up and heads home. The swarm of guests disappear into the streets of Paris, just to reappear a year later.

My darlings, wouldn’t you love to be part of something that magical? Sign me up for next year:) xo

P.S: The Dîner en Blanc now has its international following: in August, it took place in New York City on the Plaza of the World Financial Center and on October 14th it will be held in San Francisco.

Wonder where will they pop up next?

(via Simply Stated. Photos via Flleurishing, Carams, The New York Times and Quinn Palmer)
   

Harvest Party

How would you fancy a harvest party? The other day Aprile posted about this genius autumn party idea and I can't stop thinking about it. You simply invite a few friends for apple, berry or tomato picking and afterwards you spend an afternoon making peach butter, berry jam, fresh tomato sauce or pickled vegetables while sipping wine, eating cheese and chatting. When the party is over, each guest grabs a jar-full of goodies for home. Doesn't that sound fun?

P.S: Bash under the stars and pancake party.

(Photos by Hannah Queen, Sarah Winward and Kinfolk Journal)