Tips for a Dinner Party Your Guests Won’t Soon Forget

Dinner parties are fun ways to get all of your friends together to bond over tasty foods, but it can be a bit difficult to plan a menu for that many people. Whether you’re hosting a formal sit-down dinner or a casual taco night, these simple tips will show you how to plan a dinner party that no one will forget.

  1. Stick with the basics. While it may seem fun to experiment with a new recipe, this isn’t the best idea when you’re cooking for a group. Stick with something that you already know how to cook, or practice a new recipe at least once or twice beforehand.
  2. Choose a theme. If you’re unsure of what to make for dinner, choose a culinary theme, like Italian or childhood favorites. This will make it easier to choose dishes that go together.
  3. Don’t forget the appetizers. To buy yourself a bit of time in the kitchen, set out simple appetizers that guests can snack on while you put the finishing touches on the meal.
  4. Do some prep work. Prep as much of the food as possible the day before so that you’ll have ample time to visit with guests once the party begins.
  5. Consider seating. Most people don’t have a large, formal dining room, but you should still consider where your guests can sit comfortably.

Top 10 dinner party tips [Good Food]
25 Dinner Party Do's and Don'ts for a Host or Hostess [Bon Appetit]
The Dos and Don'ts of Hosting a Dinner Party [My Domaine]

How to Create a Cheese Plate Your Party Guests Will Love

Ah, cheese. From mild cheddar to zesty Brie, there are a wide variety of reasons why people all over the world love this flavorful food. If you want to make the perfect cheese platter for an upcoming party, these foolproof tips will help you to turn your love of cheese into a perfect hors d’oeuvres for entertaining.

  1. Choose the right amount for your guests. As a general rule, it’s smart to allot at least two ounces of cheese per guest. Calculate the number of guests you’ll have beforehand and do some simple math to ensure that everyone gets their fair share.
  2. Mix soft and hard cheeses. A well-blended cheese plate includes a perfectly balanced blend of soft cheeses, like goat cheese, and hard cheeses, like aged gouda.
  3. Mix mild and intense flavors. You also want to blend mild cheeses with more flavorful options on your board. Think mild options such as fresh mozzarella combined with an intense cheese like a firm Gruyère.
  4. Serve the cheese properly. Organize the cheeses on a wooden platter, and be sure to leave enough space between cheeses. Set out a different knife for each type, and give each of your guests his or her own plate. Also, set out some neutral crackers or dry breads as palette cleansers.

Creating the Perfect Cheese Plate [Food + Wine]
How to Set Up a Cheese Platter [Food Network]
The Perfect Cheese Platter [Real Simple]

Fun Party Ideas for Kids

When it comes to kids’ parties, it’s essential to keep it fun and organized. So, if you’re tasked with planning a party for little ones at BLVD l Loudoun Station, check out these party ideas for some creative inspiration.

Pizza Party
Before you dismiss this idea, there is a way to make the tried-and-true pizza party fresh again. If your kids love to cook, purchase some pizza dough and set out a variety of toppings. Let kids craft their perfect pizza and then pop them in the over for baking. Kids will love munching on their handiwork. To continue with the foodie theme, instead of cake, have all the children frost and decorate their very own cupcakes.

Scavenger Hunt
Kids love a good competition and an old-fashioned scavenger hunt is fun no matter the time of year. In warmer months, send kids outside to collect things from nature, or in the colder weather have them scour the indoors for items like a “small fork," “something red," or a “business card."

Movie Night
For older children who can sit through a film, you can turn your home into a movie theater. Make popcorn and end the movie with a fun trivia game based on the movie – winner gets “movie theater” treats like a box of Sour Patch Kids or a gift card to the local theater.

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