Tips on Preparing a Formal Dinner
Planning a formal dinner party can be extremely daunting, especially if you are inexperienced at it or have never organized a meal such as this before. With the following tips though, you can learn to present an enticing meal with minimal effort.
Be Organized
Make a list of your menu items and all the ingredients needed. Check your pantry, refrigerator and freezer thoroughly before your shopping expedition. Be sure to pick up all items the day before as the day of the dinner party you will have many other tasks to perform. Don't forget to include food items to utilize as plate garnishes - remember, people eat with their eyes and the more attractive the food looks, the better the perceived taste of the menu items will be. Double check your list before leaving the store - you do not want to be making any unnecessary trips the day of the party. Set your formal dinner table with your best china early, even the night before, so you do not have to worry about it at the last minute.
Keep it Simple
Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to formal dinners. Choose cuts of meat of good quality that need minimal preparation and carving. Vegetables can be a colorful mixture of basic items such as baby carrots and snow peas. Rolls and even desserts can be purchased ready-made. Trying to pull off a complicated menu may result in disaster so keep it as basic as possible for at least your first few dinners.
Be Proactive
Any food items that can be fully or partially prepared without losing freshness or eye appeal should be assembled the night before the dinner. For example, if you are serving a fresh vegetable tray during cocktail hour, you may want to peel your vegetables and store them in cold water so that you have one less task to perform on the big day.
Delegate
If there is anyone in the household who can assist you in preparations the day of the dinner, delegate duties to them to take the pressure off of you. A teenager is perfectly capable of cleaning potatoes, trimming green beans or washing dishes. Utilize individuals according to their skill levels - you may have someone proficient at cake decorating who you can call on to finish off your desserts. Enlist the help of or hire someone to serve at mealtime so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you don't know how to pair wines, ask someone at a wine shop who does.
Pace Yourself
Prepare your menu items so all will ready and inviting when it is time for dinner. Give yourself time to join your guests for cocktails while your entree' cools. Salads can be cut and ready to be tossed right before mealtime and most appetizers can be prepared well in advance. Choose breads that can be warmed quickly and easily.
Using the above suggestions can assist in making your formal dinner party a great success. Don't worry if it is not absolutely perfect - you are probably the only one who will notice. Remember to take notes on what to do differently next time and your dinners will improve greatly and become more elaborate over time.
