My favorite style of entertaining is a sit-down dinner party.  I love the intimacy of gathering family and friends to share a meal, all so up close and personal.    

Most dinner parties are last-minute and casual, but you can add a touch of class with very little effort.  Formal informality!

• Add color and warmth with linen runners and coordinated place mats.  Use nice paper mats if necessary

• Use small, colorful floral arrangements as centerpieces

• Use fruits and vegetables artfully arranged in colorful bowls as decorations

• Always include appetizers or nibblers to be served with drinks. This lends a sophisticated air 

• Offer a few good cheeses with wine, fruit, olives and nuts for a super easy super elegant presentation

• Use separate bread and butter plates with specially prepared butter pats

• If you have the space, serve courses in different rooms, such as appetizers on the deck and dessert in the living room

• Let your guests help with last-minute preparation, such as putting rolls in the oven or arranging appetizers on a tray.  This adds to the closeness and fun.

Helpful Links

More Dinner Party Planning

Menu Planning Ideas and Tips

Tips on Serving Wine and Food

Serving Alcohol

Great Drink Recipes

Romantic Dinners

Romantic Dinner 

Easy.  Plenty of time left for romance!  Serve with a hearty red wine and finish with coffee or cappuccino

Also Consider:
Simple Roasted Red Potatoes

Potato Pancakes

Tiramisu

Champagne Cocktails or Martinis

Fruit and Cheese Board

New Strip Steaks with Garlic Shrimp

 Buttered Toast Points

Roasted Asparagus with Orange Vinaigrette

White Chocolate Crème Brulee

Gourmet Dinner 

Elegant and easy.  Serve with a hearty red wine and finish with coffee or cappuccino

Also Consider: 
Shrimp with Rice Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Mashed Potatoes

Simple Roasted Red Potatoes

Tiramisu

Champagne Cocktails

Gravlax on Pumpernickel

Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

Lemon and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Rib Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream Sauce

Spinach with Garlic and Hot Pepper Flakes

Buttered Brown Bread, Dinner Rolls and Crackers

Orange Chocolate Pecan Pie

Warm and Cozy

Here's a healthy and flavor-packed menu with all of the colors and taste of fall.

Take it easy and serve purchased specialty desserts and punch

Curried Nuts

Pumpkin and Apple Soup

Grilled Salmon with Cilantro Pesto

Yellow Rice

Roasted Beet Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Citrus Vinaigrette

Assorted Breads and Crackers

Warm Apple Cider

New Orleans Gumbo Dinner Party

This sit-down menu can also be served as a buffet.  Start the evening with mixed drinks, white wine or champagne. Purchase ready-made: nibblers such as nuts and relish trays: French Bread or other crusty rolls

Roasted Almonds, Pecans, Marinated Olives, Pickled Onions

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Lime

Creole Gumbo

Crusty Bread with Garlic-Thyme Butter

Fresh Strawberries with Chantilly Cream

Check out ChefRick.com.  My good friend Chef Rick has great recipes and tips plus tips on making great gumbo and more!  

Simply Vegetarian

Mediterranean flavors highlight this easy vegetarian menu.  Add  lamb chops or a leg of lamb, if you wish.  Serve white wine or champagne all around
Also consider:
Grilled Asparagus
Tiramisu

Fresh Vegetable Platter

Herbed Yogurt Dip

Tomato and Onion Foccacia

Orzo-Stuffed Red Peppers with Feta, Olives and Fresh Herbs

Lemony Spinach with Garlic and Hot Peppers 

Italian, Cinnamon Sugar or Honey Walnut Cookies