- Table linens: Linen napkins and a complementary runner or tablecloth are important considerations. Williams-Sonoma has a reasonably priced selection and many of the designs are timeless.
- Place Cards: I find it ackward as a guest to ask where to sit. Place cards are a thoughtful detail that smoothly seat the guests and free your time as you are managing the service of the meal. Last Thursday, I used craft brown place cards and arranged the guests by every other male and female. This is also a nice gesture if you know an attendee is left handed.
- Candles: The light emitted from candles adds a special ambiance to any event. As you can see above, I used "mason jar" candles to support our theme.
- Napkin Rings: Napkin rings add a nice finishing touch to each place setting. I typically prefer using silver rings because they crossover to many themes and complement most linen colors.
- Flowers: Just as candles add ambiance, flowers add life. I have learned to set the table with only low profile arrangements so that guests may easily converse with each other.
- Serveware: After the entrees are chosen, I check on my stock of serveware and locate all necessary pieces. While this sounds trivial, much stress is created when you realize on the day of your dinner party that you previously lent out your largest serving platter intended for your main entree!
- Timeline with Tasks: Reverse engineer your party. Write down every detail to ensure all tasks are completed including when invites will go out, food preparation timing, flower delivery, etc.
- Communicate Responsibilities: To alleviate stress, clarify expectations and details from anyone who has a role in the event. For example, my husband is in charge of offering cocktails as guests arrive and also serving the wine with dinner. We have a quick conversation as to what the drink offerings will be and which wines are to be served.
- Select Your Attire: There is nothing worse than having an "I have nothing in my wardrobe" moment the hour before an event. Select what you will be wearing and send any necessary pieces to dry cleaning so that you may have it ready no later than the day before your party.
- Serveware: I set out the serveware the night before and label each piece with its intended use. This includes platters, bowls, serving utensils and the necessary pieces fo dessert/coffee service.
- Table: Set the table the night before.
- Barware: Determine what you will be offering your guests during appetizer and cocktail hour. Set out the necessary components, including a full bucket of ice, before the guests arrive.
- Drinks: Chill waters, white wines and beer mugs with ample time to bring to proper temperature. If you are offering cocktails, make sure that your bar is fully stocked and the necessary perishables have been purchased including limes, etc. I have also learned to set out Pelligrino or tasteful carafes filled with water on the table so that I may remain seated as long as possible during dinner.
I specifically had a beverage area constructed during the renovation to provide a consolidated location to store and serve both red and white wines, liquor and bottled waters. It also conveniently holds all bar/stemware and is located away from the high traffic paths in the kitchen.
- Dessert: I queue up the correct number of plates, forks, coffee cups and flatware and place them in the butler's pantry prior to each event. You may also place these items neatly on the counter in the kitchen. This makes for a seamless transition into your final course.
- Dishwasher: Your dishwasher should always be COMPLETELY empty before the party begins.
