8 Tips to Making Your First Formal Dinner Party a Success

Send Invitations

The main identifier of a formal or semiformal event is the invitation. While we've all become accustomed to the ease and convenience of e-vite, receiving an invitation by snail mail will signify the standard you're setting for the event. It's certainly not necessary to hire a calligrapher (unless such creative urges call) or to spend a fortune getting your invite engraved, but sending your correspondence by regular mail will let your guests know what to expect out of the evening in a subtly delightful way. And let's face it, everybody loves receiving mail that isn't a bill. 

Stock the Bar

One way to ensure your party is a success is by providing the appropriate amount of libations. A well-stocked bar will get you far. For a more sophisticated affair, you may want to kick off the festivities with champagne or cocktails along with your hors d'œuvres, in which case you'd want to provide standard spirits (like gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila) and the fixings (olives, tonic water, orange peel, lemon or lime twists) for popular apéritifs.

When it comes to the meal, do some research to find out which wines you should pair with what you're serving. You don't have to become a sommelier overnight, but you'll be able to find answers for what pairs well with specific dishes. Serving beverages at the right temperature and in the correct glassware are also signs of a sophisticated event.

Set the Table Properly

You'll likely be working with more tableware for a semiformal dinner party than you would with a casual buffet or backyard barbecue. A typical semiformal setting includes a dinner plate and a smaller salad plate on top, with two forks on the left—one for salad and one for dinner—and a knife and spoon on the right.

A wine glass and a water glass should be placed to the right of each setting (because a majority of people are right-handed).

Break Out the Linens

If you're using a tablecloth, be sure it's pressed before you lay it out to entertain. We recommend going with cloth or linen napkins to stay on par with the rest of the table setting. These should also be pressed or ironed before being folded or set out with napkin rings for display. If you'd rather not use a full tablecloth, a table runner can help create the same effect. 

Put Out Place Cards

Place cards can be used even if you're hosting a small, intimate affair to add a thoughtful, personalized touch to the party. Plus, they're an easy way to facilitate a fun, enjoyable evening for your guests by seating them next to new faces. They're also a handy tool to help guests avoid the awkward decision of figuring out where to sit. 

Get Some Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers add instant elegance to any setting. If you're using a small dining table, opt for one large arrangement (be sure it won't interfere with eye contact), or gather a few stems to fill multiple bud vases along a longer table. You can also place complementary arrangements on the bar and around the space your guests will be using (on either side of a mantel or on a coffee table).

Set the Scene

No matter how casual or formal the event, you'll want to set the perfect tone with the right lighting and music. For a dinner party on the fancier side, be sure to dim lights to a comfortable setting (not so dark that your guests won't be able to see what they're eating) and light candles along the table and in surrounding areas to give the room a warm, inviting glow. You should, however, avoid scented candles that may clash with the aroma of the food you're serving. 

As for music, be sure to set the volume to the right decibel for your guests to carry conversations with ease. Choose a moody playlist that can easily fall into the background but also provide a relaxing and fun environment.

Freshen up the Bathroom

Besides the dining room, you'll want to freshen up your bathroom, as that is the one other space you'll be opening up to guests. To stick to the overlying standard of your semiformal or formal affair, be sure to place or hang cloth or linen hand towels for guests to dry their hands.

Stock the bathroom with high-end soap and lotion (optional) and with extra supplies in the cabinets. Be sure all of your facilities are clean and working properly in advance. For an added touch, light a clean-scented candle or place a fragrance diffuser in the bathroom to keep it feeling and smelling fresh throughout the evening.