Intimate gatherings are often some of the best. No matter what occasion you’re celebrating, having a close-knit group of family and friends there gives those around the table the opportunity to truly be present and invested in the moment. And while planning an intimate get-together may not require as much work as a larger gathering would, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to organizing and planning ahead to pull together a memorable evening. Here are five of our top tips to keep in mind when planning an intimate get-together.
Stay Organized & Communicate to Your Guests
One of the most important elements to ensuring the evening goes as planned is to create a master to-do list. From what groceries you need to what you have on hand, having a to-do list will keep you on track. You should also ensure that your guests are in the know about what’s happening and if anything is to be expected of them. This will help to avoid any confusion and keep you as stress-free as possible.
Pay Attention to Detail
Good food, good wine, and good people are must-haves for any good party, but the devil is in the details when it comes to elevating your entertaining. As the dinner table will be the focus, choose a theme for your party and create a beautiful tablescape using flowers, candles, and a decorative tablecloth or runner that reflects it. Then, work in personal touches — like name tags or small messages — for an extra dose of stylish detail.
Plan a Winning Menu
One of the best things about intimate gatherings is the opportunity to try new dishes and plan a more creative menu than you would when serving a larger group of people. The menu can be as formal or casual as you’d like — just determine what you’d like to serve ahead of time. Charcuterie boards are often great to include no matter what your dinner party style is, as they satisfy all senses with a mix of salty, sweet, and savoury options.
Pick a Playlist
One thing all great dinner parties have in common is a great soundtrack. Playing music softly in the background will help your guests feel more comfortable (there will never be awkward silence, especially if there’s someone new joining the party) and it will set the tone for the evening. Want to set the stage for a formal get together? Enjoy the dulcet tones of smooth jazz. Want to keep your guests pumped for board games after dinner? Push play on something funky and upbeat.
Focus on Your Guests & Have Fun
Once all the planning is said and done, remember that the reason for the gathering is to enjoy spending time with the people who are there, and to celebrate the occasion that you’re marking. Focus on your guests, but have a good time yourself — as long as everyone’s having fun, you can rest assured that your get-together was a success.
Need some more tips on hosting a smaller get-together? Check out our guide to being a master host, no matter the size of your party.