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Dinner Party

Where to have Your Dinner Party


Wedding Planning Advice

I love the phrase 'dinner party' - it conjures up images of trays of martinis and girls in full skirts sitting down to a meal full of delicious things and intelligent, sparkling conversation.  Whether that fits with your mental image of a dinner party or not, I find that one of the trickiest parts of dinner party planning (after the guest list!) is location.  Here's a few fun options to consider when planning your next shindig!

Photo courtesy of Ben Q Photography

 

I love the phrase ‘dinner party’ – it conjures up images of trays of martinis and girls in full skirts sitting down to a meal full of delicious things and intelligent, sparkling conversation.  Whether that fits with your mental image of a dinner party or not, I find that one of the trickiest parts of dinner party planning (after the guest list!) is location.  Here’s a few fun options to consider when planning your next shindig!

 

Traditionally, this is where we'd expect a dinner party to occur, right?  Whether it takes place in the formal dining room, around the kitchen table, or on the floor adjacent to the coffee table, having your dinner party at home gives it a personal touch.  Keep in mind that the size of your home (and potentially the number of seats) may limit the size of your party.  Home can be a lovely choice for either formal or informal occasions.  I love doing small parties at home because I love trying out new recipes on willing victims, but you can certainly cater in with delivered food or turn your kitchen over to a professional chef so you can wow your friends!

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Minnerick Photography

 

At home

Traditionally, this is where we’d expect a dinner party to occur, right?  Whether it takes place in the formal dining room, around the kitchen table, or on the floor adjacent to the coffee table, having your dinner party at home gives it a personal touch.  Keep in mind that the size of your home (and potentially the number of seats) may limit the size of your party.  Home can be a lovely choice for either formal or informal occasions.  I love doing small parties at home because I love trying out new recipes on willing victims, but you can certainly cater in with delivered food or turn your kitchen over to a professional chef so you can wow your friends!

 

Let someone else do the hard work!  Pick your favorite restaurant and invite your friends out for a night of tasty food and revelry.  Many restaurants have great little private rooms, depending on the size of your party, like glass-walled wine rooms or even a private upper deck.  A restaurant is certainly a great choice when you're thinking of a larger crew.  The only downside is that you will have little to no control over the aesthetic - so find a place you love the look and feel of as well as the menu!

Photo courtesy of Leslie Spurlock Photography

 

In a restaurant

Let someone else do the hard work!  Pick your favorite restaurant and invite your friends out for a night of tasty food and revelry.  Many restaurants have great little private rooms, depending on the size of your party, like glass-walled wine rooms or even a private upper deck.  A restaurant is certainly a great choice when you’re thinking of a larger crew.  The only downside is that you will have little to no control over the aesthetic – so find a place you love the look and feel of as well as the menu!

 

We have some wonderful petite spaces here in DFW that would be super fun for a dinner party - think independent galleries, smaller venues (or smaller rooms within a larger venue), and rentals for creatives!  In some ways this is the best of both worlds - you have control over the menu and the aesthetics, but you don't have to scrub your bathrooms ahead of time.  It's likely you will need to bring in everything from linens and napkins to salt and pepper shakers, but you can make it truly reflect the vibe you want!  Venues also offer flexibility when it comes to guest count.

Photo courtesy of Katie Cassidy Photography

 

Venue space

We have some wonderful petite spaces here in DFW that would be super fun for a dinner party – think independent galleries, smaller venues (or smaller rooms within a larger venue), and rentals for creatives!  In some ways this is the best of both worlds – you have control over the menu and the aesthetics, but you don’t have to scrub your bathrooms ahead of time.  It’s likely you will need to bring in everything from linens and napkins to salt and pepper shakers, but you can make it truly reflect the vibe you want!  Venues also offer flexibility when it comes to guest count.

 

Have a picnic dinner party!  Find a fun park, or do an early dinner at the Dallas Arboretum.  You may have to do after dinner drinks to align with alcohol restrictions in a public place, but what a fun way to enjoy the good weather while it's here.  No heating necessary - food can be pre-packed and chilled until served.  Also, if you ever wanted an excuse to buy the premium Williams Sonoma picnic basket... well, you're welcome.

Photo courtesy of Autumn Light Photography

 

Take it outside

Have a picnic dinner party!  Find a fun park, or do an early dinner at the Dallas Arboretum.  You may have to do after dinner drinks to align with alcohol restrictions in a public place, but what a fun way to enjoy the good weather while it’s here.  No heating necessary – food can be pre-packed and chilled until served.  Also, if you ever wanted an excuse to buy the premium Williams Sonoma picnic basket… well, you’re welcome.

 

Having trouble figuring out your next dinner party?  We’d be happy to help – just reach out! 

 

 

I love the phrase 'dinner party' - it conjures up images of trays of martinis and girls in full skirts sitting down to a meal full of delicious things and intelligent, sparkling conversation.  Whether that fits with your mental image of a dinner party or not, I find that one of the trickiest parts of dinner party planning (after the guest list!) is location.  Here's a few fun options to consider when planning your next shindig!

Choosing Your Holiday Party Style


Wedding Planning Advice

There are so many holiday type events to choose from, where to even begin?  We love a good holiday party and have come up with 3 holiday party styles of events and mini guides on how to plan for each.  Choose what works for you and enjoy! - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Amy Karp Photography

 

There are so many holiday type events to choose from, where to even begin?  We love a good holiday party and have come up with 3 holiday party styles of events and mini guides on how to plan for each.  Choose what works for you and enjoy!

 

1.The Mix and Mingle Affair

This come and go afternoon or evening event is typically like a happy hour for friends and family to wander through on their own time.

 

The Mix and Mingle Affair This come and go afternoon or evening event is typically like a happy hour for friends and family to wander through on their own time. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

Menu – The menu can be mainly appetizers or snacks, which either you provide, or your guests can bring something to contribute. A self-serve bar is key (pre-mixed drinks in containers work well for signature cocktails).

Décor – For this style event, simple décor like a wreath on your door and maybe a tree, are all you need. It doesn’t have be complicated, the elegance level is up to you. 

Entertainment – Holiday music and a fun but simple favor for guests to take when they leave, like pre-wrapped Christmas cookies or a fun ornament to mark the occasion makes this a fun and easy event for guests to attend.

Optional – Theme it Up! Ask guests to wear their favorite ugly sweater or holiday themed costume when they make an appearance.

 

2. The At-Home Dinner Party

The dinner party is a bit more traditional and very intimate in feel.

 

The At-Home Dinner Party The dinner party is a bit more traditional and very intimate in feel. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

Menu – This can be buffet or plated, just make sure to have enough seats for all to sit at once. Beverages can be a self-serve bar, or you can serve each guest their requested drink personally to make them feel more taken care of. 

Décor – Style can level up with table decorations for dinner, including place cards like custom ornaments or holiday foliage.

Entertainment – Holiday music for dinner is easy, then fun games after typically follow. Games can be gift exchanges, fun activities like holiday movie drinking games or name that Christmas carol game for teams.  Coffee or hot cocoa can finish the evening up with dessert. 

 

3. Let’s Do Something Fun!

It’s great to get together and do a fun activity or something to help prep for the holidays!

 

Let’s Do Something Fun! It’s great to get together and do a fun activity or something to help prep for the holidays! - Hot Chocolate Bar - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photos courtesy of Mulberry Lane Studio

 

Entertainment – Choose an activity you know your guests would enjoy, like gift wrapping, a cookie exchange, building a gingerbread house, decorating cookies, white elephant gift exchange, wreath making party, or even a holiday movie marathon!

Menu – When the focus is the entertainment or activity, make the food and drink simple. Choose a combination of sweet and savory snacks to provide or ask your guests to contribute.  Have a self-serve beverage station with a holiday punch, both with and without alcohol for guests to choose from.  (Cider or cocoa can perfect for this!)

Décor – Your entertainment will probably provide enough festive cheer that you may not need any decorations at all, depending on what you choose!

 

What holiday party is your style? Let us know how you add extra flair to your holiday gatherings in the comments below! Also read about 6 Hacks to Hosting a Holiday Party on our last blog.  If you need help with your holiday gathering reach out to us – We’d love to help! 

 

 

Holiday Party Style -There are so many holiday type events to choose from, where to even begin?  We love a good holiday party and have come up with 3 holiday party styles of events and mini guides on how to plan for each.  Choose what works for you and enjoy! - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

6 Hacks to Hosting a Holiday Party


Wedding Planning Advice

Holiday season is upon us!  I don’t know about you, but sometimes hosting a holiday party can be intimidating and honestly, stressful.  Many give up before they even begin to plan, and I’ve been there, done that!  I finally came up with these 6 steps to help motivate myself and make sure that I enjoy holiday party planning.  I’m sharing them with you today in hopes they’ll inspire you to host a fabulous event yourself!

 

1. Choose a date your VIP guests can attend Whether it be the family or friends you definitely want to spend time with, or that friend or friends that everyone has a great time when they show up, make sure they are available for the date you want to host. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

1. Choose a date your VIP guests can attend

Whether it be the family or friends you definitely want to spend time with, or that friend or friends that everyone has a great time when they show up, make sure they are available for the date you want to host.

 

2. Send a great invitation Guests go to parties they know they’ll enjoy, so choose something pretty and give plenty of details.  Let them know what to expect for the food and the fun.  Guests love knowing details and are more likely to come if they feel it’ll be an easy night to enjoy. - Minted.com - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

Invitation from Minted.com

 

2. Send a great invitation

Guests go to parties they know they’ll enjoy, so choose something pretty and give plenty of details.  Let them know what to expect for the food and the fun.  Guests love knowing details and are more likely to come if they feel it’ll be an easy night to enjoy.

 

3. Prep your space Set up your space for a great party flow, remembering those that need a corner to chill in and that space you’ll need for your favorite games.  Shifting furniture into great flow patterns before guests arrive, then decorating to keep everyone in a festive mood, is the key to making guests feel welcome and getting them to stay a while. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Marissa Ann Photography

 

3. Prep your space

Set up your space for a great party flow, remembering those that need a corner to chill in and that space you’ll need for your favorite games.  Shifting furniture into great flow patterns before guests arrive, then decorating to keep everyone in a festive mood, is the key to making guests feel welcome and getting them to stay a while.

 

4. Make the menu easy on you Whether hosting a cocktail party, buffet dinner or a formal seated dinner event, choose dishes that you can do all the prep work before the event and won’t leave you tied to the kitchen the entire time.  Choose make-ahead appetizers and maybe just a dish or two that needs to be warmed before guests arrive.  For larger events or complicated menus, hiring staff to finish and serve meals is also a wise investment so you can enjoy the evening with your guests and not worry about the timing of meal components. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

4. Make the menu easy on you

Whether hosting a cocktail party, buffet dinner or a formal seated dinner event, choose dishes that you can do all the prep work before the event and won’t leave you tied to the kitchen the entire time.  Choose make-ahead appetizers and maybe just a dish or two that needs to be warmed before guests arrive.  For larger events or complicated menus, hiring staff to finish and serve meals is also a wise investment so you can enjoy the evening with your guests and not worry about the timing of meal components.

 

5. Set up a self-serve cocktail bar Right along with your menu, make this easy so you aren’t tied to serving drinks.  Include pre-cut garnishes, possibly a pre-mixed cocktail or two and a few selections of your favorite wines.  Your guests can help themselves and all you’ll need to worry about is replenishing throughout the evening if necessary. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

5. Set up a self-serve cocktail bar

Right along with your menu, make this easy so you aren’t tied to serving drinks.  Include pre-cut garnishes, possibly a pre-mixed cocktail or two and a few selections of your favorite wines.  Your guests can help themselves and all you’ll need to worry about is replenishing throughout the evening if necessary.

 

6. Enjoy yourself! All of these steps are to help you set the party up, so you can enjoy the time with your guests.  If you are having a great time, so will your guests. - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Katie Cassidy Photography

 

6. Enjoy yourself!

All of these steps are to help you set the party up, so you can enjoy the time with your guests.  If you are having a great time, so will your guests. 

 

Hopefully, these “hosting a holiday party” hacks will encourage you to gather your loved ones and help for it to not feel so overwhelming. After all that is what the holidays are all about! If your holiday party does feel like too much to handle, shoot us an email and we would be glad to help! Be sure to check out upcoming blogs to hear about more about hosting a holiday party! 

 

 

Holiday season is upon us!  I don’t know about you, but sometimes hosting a holiday party can be intimidating and honestly, stressful.  Many give up before they even begin to plan, and I’ve been there, done that!  I finally came up with these 6 steps to help motivate myself and make sure that I enjoy holiday party planning.  I’m sharing them with you today in hopes they’ll inspire you to host a fabulous event yourself! - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail - McKinney, Texas