http://www.partyideasforyou.com/how-to-host-a-stress-free-dinner-party/
Planning a dinner party may seem like a daunting task for those who do not do it often. There are lots of things to consider, and that is before you even start thinking about the food. It is something that everyone can do though, so long as they keep in mind the following guidelines…
Pick an occasion – Whilst it is not essential that there is a reason for you having a dinner party, it does help if there is one. Birthdays, promotions and housewarmings are all good occasions, as is Thanksgiving and Independence Day. If there is an occasion to celebrate then it helps to set the tone of the party, and ensures that everyone is in the party mood. The fact that there is no special occasion to celebrate should not stop you having a dinner party though.
Plan ahead – Organization is key to the success of your dinner party. The sooner you start getting things organized the better. Amongst other things, you will need to create a menu, choose the wines, polish the silverware, decide on the background music, buy some dinner candles and / or scented candles and work out a seating plan. None of these tasks are difficult, but if you leave them all to the last minute, and try to do them all at the same time, then they can become overwhelming. So, start getting at least some parts of your dinner party organized at least a week beforehand.
Send out invitations in advance – It is important to let those who you want to attend your dinner party to know about the event well in advance. Exactly when “well in advance” is will differ based on the type of dinner party that you plan though. If the dinner is an informal event, then you can call people a week (or even a few days) beforehand. However, if the event will be more formal, then you should mail out invitations at least a month before the date of the dinner. This will increase the chance that those invited will be able to find time in their schedule to attend.
Create an ambiance – Establishing the style of a dinner party is one of the most crucial aspects of the planning process. It impacts on many aspects of the party, such as how many people you invite, the types of decor that you use, how long it will go on, etc. Decide whether a sit-down formal event would be best, or whether something more informal, such as a barbecue or buffet, would be better. There is no right or wrong style, but it is important that you make a decision so that you can plan appropriately.