How to Throw a Dinner Party

Make your next bash one to remember.

Set Boundaries With Family and Friends - As stated before, not everyone is OK with interracial dating — this may include your own friends and family. So have a talk with them about boundaries and what you will and won’t tolerate.  (Photo: Image Source/GettyImages)

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Throw a Dinner Party Like a Pro - Pulling off the perfect dinner party takes some planning and proper execution, but that doesn’t mean you should run yourself down in the process. From designing your menu to show-stopping decor, we’ll show you how to throw a stress-free and fabulous affair right at home. By Britt Middleton (Photo: Image Source/GettyImages)

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Invite Etiquette - Whether you choose to mail out cards or use e-vites, be sure to leave space for guests to write out any special dietary concerns. This will help streamline your menu planning early on. Also, if it’s an “adults only” affair, do note this on the invite so you won’t have any surprises on the night of. (Photo: t_kimura/GettyImages)

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Planning a Menu - About one week out, start carving out your menu (one main dish and 2-3 sides is ideal), and shop in bulk when possible to save some extra cash. Crowd-pleasing comfort foods like a baked lasagna or meatloaf can be made ahead and kept warm in the oven. And don’t feel bad about picking up store-bought appetizers or desserts — you can dress them with fresh herbs or fresh fruit for that homemade touch. (Photo: Monashee Frantz/GettyImages)

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Perfect Pairings - Lost on the difference between a Merlot and a Sauvignon Blanc? Pop by your neighborhood wine shop and they’ll be happy to help tailor a bottle to your menu. For nondrinkers, whip up a zesty seltzer and fruit juice “mocktail” so they don’t feel left out. (Photo: Monashee Frantz/GettyImages)

Serve It Up Right - Presentation is everything. Invest in a gorgeous serving platter or some new decorative bowls to make your meal pop. Simple white plates are perfect for bringing out the natural colors of food (plus, they’re affordable, too!) and elegant stemware will leave a lasting impression on your guests.  (Photo: Pier 1)

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Serve It Up Right - Presentation is everything. Invest in a gorgeous serving platter or some new decorative bowls to make your meal pop. Simple white plates are perfect for bringing out the natural colors of food (plus, they’re affordable, too!) and elegant stemware will leave a lasting impression on your guests.  (Photo: Pier 1)

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Bargain Hunters - The majority of women (68 percent) claim they shop for deals because they want to, and not because of budget restrictions, according to Time Inc.'s All You magazine poll released Feb. 20. In fact, 90 percent said they would still hunt out bargains even if they became a millionaire tomorrow. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Decorate on a Dime - You don’t need to drop a ton of bank for one-of-a-kind party decor. Hit up your thrift shop for unique pieces and let your inner DIY diva work some magic. A coat of paint or some glitter from the craft store can turn that old clunker into a conversation starter. Click here for some easy decor ideas. (Photo: GettyImages)

Cook a Special Meal - A bit cliche but if you're not used to cooking a meal it can really impress your mate. Of course, you have to jazz it up with fine wine, slow jams and candles. (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)

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Party Day Prep - Prepare the bulk of your food items the night before, leaving the day-of for any final garnishes, heating or thawing. Do delegate any last-minute grocery store runs to your partner or a friend so you won’t feel frazzled. Even through any missteps, focus on having a positive attitude and smile! Your guests will feed off your energy. (Photo: GettyImages)

Setting the Mood - Glowing candle light instantly sets a warm, inviting mood. Use candles of varying heights and widths to add some dimension and drama to your table. Sticking to a singular color pallet will unify the space and make for an elegant impression. (Photo: Pottery Barn)

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Setting the Mood - Glowing candle light instantly sets a warm, inviting mood. Use candles of varying heights and widths to add some dimension and drama to your table. Sticking to a singular color pallet will unify the space and make for an elegant impression. (Photo: Pottery Barn)

Seating Sense - Place-cards with each person’s name are great add-ons for when your guests don’t all know each other (plus, they can double as keepsakes from your party). Pick some fun card holders like these spicy jalapeños above, or check out these cute DIY ideas. (Photo: Williams Sonoma)

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Seating Sense - Place-cards with each person’s name are great add-ons for when your guests don’t all know each other (plus, they can double as keepsakes from your party). Pick some fun card holders like these spicy jalapeños above, or check out these cute DIY ideas. (Photo: Williams Sonoma)

You Never Spend Holidays With Each Other - Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving are meant to be spent with the people you love and who love you back. If he’s always MIA on holidays, he might have a main girlfriend he is spending those moments with instead. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

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Music Matters - Build a playlist and stick to it — constantly leaving the room to adjust the tunes is an instant vibe killer. Try more upbeat tracks for cocktail hour and transition into a mid-tempo set for dinner (just make sure your playlist is long enough not to have repeats). For a truly interactive soundtrack, GrouPlay is an app that lets your friends contribute songs from their iTunes library and even vote on tracks to bump them higher up on the playlist. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)