Fall is now upon us and for many of us this means the return of the Dinner Party after a summer of entertaining outdoors. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, your guest’s young or old; a dramatic table setting, a well planned menu and a quick freshening of your home will ensure that your dinner party will be a hit.
Just like the backdrop of a well-staged play, the components of a well-set table, menu and room will create the mood. Carefully considered details reinforce that feeling, and when everything is in its proper place, everyone is drawn in. First, consider your audience (children need extra attention). Choose props, from centerpieces to napkin folds that are in keeping with your style, the room, and the menu.
Remember when planning a dinner party at your home, limit the number of your guests to six or eight people. This will maintain the scale to a manageable level as well as insure that you will be able to interact with each guest on a personal level. Some of my other recommendations include:
• Examine your dining room table. How many guests can it take comfortably? Don't forget that each guest should have 24" for each place setting.
• Until you’re comfortable with throwing a dinner party, keep your menu simple. If I'm not going to have help serving or catering, I try to plan dishes for which the majority of work can be done in advance.
• When determining your menu, try to select dishes that complement one another. Avoid the "globetrotting" trend, in which every course is another country and palette. I recommend first selecting your main dish, and then plan the side dishes around that main course.
• If you're serving dinner as a buffet, make sure to make 2 extra portions so that no one is stigmatized by taking the "Last Portion"
• Remember the power of colour. Never use the same colour for each course. Spice them up with some colourful garnishes, sauces or accessories.
• Let your meal take its course. It’s easy to fall into a rushed orderly progression. Enjoy your friends, your hard work and your delightful meal. Take time to savor and sip.
• Let your creative energy flow with your decorating. Never underestimate the power of fresh flowers, candles and personalized name cards to show your guests how special they are to you. While you can't have enough candles lit, avoid scented candles in the Dining room as they will compete with the flavours and scent of your meal.

Most of all though, enjoy the pleasure of your friends company, your achievement and the luxury of a well planned dinner party.