Dinner Party Planning

I have wanted to host dinner parties for years but never felt like my apartments were conducive to it as I did not have space for a large dining room table or my kitchen was small but upon moving to Yellowknife I decided to have people over regardless. Restaurants in Yellowknife are expensive and the food is never up to par so the easiest (and cheapest) way to hang out with new friends is to invite them over for food and drinks. My place remains less than ideal for dinner parties but no one seems to care!
Here are some of my tips for planning dinner parties...

1. DO IT! Even if you don't have a perfect space. If you enjoy hosting the party your guests will enjoy the food and company.

2. MANAGE EXPECTATIONS. If you are having a causal Ethiopian night and don't mind latecomers or extra guests let everyone know. If you are having a timed, coursed molecular gastronomy meal and need everyone to show up on time and without extra friends let everyone know.

3. FORGET ABOUT 'DINNER PARTY' ETIQUETTE. If you don't want table-settings and formal centrepieces don't have them. There is no 'right' way to host a dinner party.

4. MENU PLANNING. Plan a menu where every dish does not require a ton of last minute finishing touches. Instead focus on make-ahead meals with one special extra-work dish that will impress your guests.

5. HOST WITH YOUR PARTNER. When we have folks over I do the prep, the cooking, and the cleaning but during the party my husband deals with drinks, coats, and details like that. This means I get to enjoy the conversation and the guests without having to worry about whose drink needs refilling or if we need more ice.

Well... I'm off to plan my next dinner party! #Ethiopian