Whether you have planned a cosy dinner for two or have invited your whole family for a sumptuous meal; these tips will help you give your dinner party that little bit extra.
1. Choose a theme
Choosing a theme for your dinner party makes it easier to arrange everything around your dinner party: from the dishes you put on the table to the music and table decorations. There are endless possibilities with themes. For example, how about a 1001 nights theme? With colourful cushions, oriental music, candles in your garden and Arabic dishes, you will create a fairytale evening. A summer day calls for a Caribbean theme with tasty cocktails, a barbecue and cheerful flower wreaths. Get inspiration on Pinterest or in magazines and choose a theme that suits you!
2. Table decoration
With the right table decoration, you can turn your dinner into a stylish ensemble. Decide on a colour theme in advance so that your decorations match. Get your finest tableware out of the cupboard and lay table runners or a tablecloth over the table. Does your dinner party have an official touch? Then arrange for table seating as well. You can do this, for example, by personalising napkin rings with your guests' names. Complete the look with colourful flowers. Instead of going for one big bunch, divide the flowers in small bunches across the table. This way, your table guests can still see each other well when they are seated at the table.
3. Background music
Background music enhances the atmosphere during your dinner party. Of course, if you are organising a themed dinner, choosing appropriate music is very easy: select a playlist within the theme and you have nothing to worry about. You can also ask your guests to send you a top 10 of their favourite songs. This way, you can compile your own playlist and be sure the music will be to everyone's taste.
4. Enjoy yourself without worry
Especially in summer, wasps and mosquitoes can cause quite a nuisance when you eat outside. With the right measures in place, you can sit at the table without any worry. Keep all food in the fridge for as long as possible and cover it with plastic or a fly cover you put the meal on the table. With some handy tricks, you can keep wasps at bay. For instance, cloves, vinegar and onions should prevent wasps from coming near you.
5. Comfortable at the table
In summer, most evenings are lovely to enjoy under your veranda. By contrast, if you organise a dinner party in spring or autumn, rain or wind could throw a spanner in the works. With a few additions to your veranda, you'll be comfortable all seasons. For example, install a glass sliding door or place a polycarbonate sidewall under your veranda to limit the wind. With a wall-mounted heater, you also sit at the table nice and warm.
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