How to plan & host the perfect dinner party
How to plan & host the perfect dinner party
The guest list
First up, the guest list! Consider a manageable number of guests. A dinner party for 6 - 12 guests is intimate and allows for meaningful conversation and easier menu planning.
The theme
Next, define the theme & colour palette. We love Pinterest for inspiration! Create a list of the glassware, tableware & linens that you will need. We recommend H&M Home for some chic dinner party decor. Read all about our tablescape trends here.
Consider using Papier for bespoke touches such as placecards & menus that will elevate the unique dinner party experience.
The Menu
Select the dinner party menu based on the ambiance of your gathering. Choose a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Casual dinner party menu ideas:
Dinner party starters:
Manzo di Pozza (from Natoora) with finely slice tomatoes, freshly grilled peaches, oregano and marinated feta with extra virgin olive oil
Whole burrata served with the best of the season’s english apricots, a honey vinaigrette and topped with a vibrant matcha salt
Dinner party sides:
Grilled aubergine topped with creamy tahini yoghurt and sour cherry molasses, sprinkled with spiced pumpkin seeds
Taramasalata made with whipped smoked cod roe, spring onion, green chilli, za’atar and fresh oregano served with squid ink crackers
Dinner party desserts to share:
Lemon tart with brulee top, topped with italian meringue or seasonal berries
Orange, polenta and almond cake, served with white chocolate ganache
Formal dinner party menu ideas:
Dinner party canapes:
Vegan tartlet with confit cherry tomato, micro basil and black pepper
King prawn skewers in a Vietnamese lemongrass marinade
Griddled chicken skewers with coriander & roasted peanut dukkah, with a spicy dipping sauce
Dinner party starters:
Crab and kashmiri chilli risotto with curry leaves and mustard seed ghee
Winter panzanella salad Isle of White tomatoes, with slow roast chicken, radicchio and sourdough croutons
Dinner party main:
Iberico pork presa with a Pedro Ximénez sauce, roast red pepper and smoked paprika puree, grilled fondant potatoes and wilted seasonal greens
Venison glazed in Whiskey jus with textures of Dunkirk carrot, bar marked potato fondant, onion ash and a slow cooked venison cigar
Dinner party dessert:
Matcha tiramisu
Dark chocolate crémeux with armagnac prunes, soy and sesame seed brittle
Elegant dinner party menu ideas:
Elegant canapes:
Roasted squash, whipped goat’s cheese, black pepper & truffle on puff pastry
Brioche toast, whipped goats cheese & local honeycomb
Sweet potato round with pistachio & watercress pesto, pickled nectarine
Elegant menu starter:
Deep fried stuffed courgette flower, on a smoked almond romesco sauce, balsamic vinegar and smoked sea salt
Elegant menu main dish:
White fish crudo with avocado, pickled herbs and cucumber-lime dressing with ginger
Elegant dessert menu:
Caiger & Co tiramisu
The Drinks Menu
Drinks pairing for a dinner party. We suggest Amie Wines for a wonderful curation of wines.
Hiring a Dinner Party Caterer in London
A stress free dinner party? Consider hiring professional help so that you can enjoy your evening as a host. We are a London-based Caterer, experts in catering for a perfect Dinner Party. Our team can handle everything from menu planning to serving, we also offer a dinner party delivery service, ensuring a stress-free event.
By thoughtfully planning your dinner party in advance, adding personable touches, creating a memorable menu, consider hiring a London-based caterer for your dinner party. Whether opting for a casual, formal, or an elegant theme, attention to detail and preparation will ensure your dinner party is a success.