Dinner Party In

The dinner party in planning idea is one of my favorites. I love to have an elegant dinner party. Invite a small group of friends or family, and wow them with your culinary skills. Ideas for what to have and do are literally endless, but one thing is for certain: elegance rules.

Where

This dinner party in idea is to be in your home, of course! And get out the nice china or any other extra nice tableware you have.

Invitations

Depending on the size of your dinner party, formal invitations may not be necessary unless you want to give the evening a formal flair - if so, send classy, formal style invitations, gold or silver embossed maybe. Get invitations (or ideas) at eInvite.

Decorations/Favors

To keep with the overall theme of this elegant dinner party idea, have silver and gold balloons and streamers. A touch of one other color (like black, or the guest of honor's favorite color), would be nice too. For an elegant touch, include foil name cards as place settings and create a personalized menu for each person. At the top of the menu, it should say "For Karen's 27th Birthday Celebration" or whatever you happen to be celebrating. (Have you seen those done in fine restaurants? It is so neat!) Also, definitely burn lots of candles.

One of the most beautiful decorating ideas I've seen (and use a lot!) is to buy a couple dozen helium filled balloons with long ribbons in the party's colors and scatter them throughout the party room. The ribbons hanging down create a lovely, almost water-like, illusion. If you are using candles, be sure to keep the balloons and ribbons away from them!

Get some specific ideas on the for the dinner party in on the Decoration Ideas page, and get everything you need at discount prices at this excellent party supply resource.

Food/Cake

The dinner would, of course, be a favorite meal of the guest of honor. If you aren't sure, ask. If they seem reluctant to tell you what to cook (or if you are trying to plan a surprise party), try to find out from their significant other or a friend. Elegant dinners tend to be Italian or French and always include wine or champagne (or sparking cider for non-drinkers). Start the evening with hors 'd oevures and drinks. Wine and cheese, maybe? Follow with a salad or soup and then the entree. The birthday cake is dessert, and should be decorated with the same elegant flair the rest of the party has. Get great recipes and food ideas here and get some excellent cake decorating ideas here.

Games/Entertainment

A dinner party in night like this isn't usually one for games, but rather for conversation. Some light background music would be lovely, though. An evening of classics or "piano bar" or any light type of music - depending on the guest of honor's preferences - should be played low so as to not interfere with conversation. Get music ideas here.