Hosting a dinner party can be as malleable a process as you choose to make it. Depending on the occasion, level of formality or food involved, the process might seem daunting. However, there are plenty of ways to make sure your party is a perfect success.

Here are five basic tips for hosting a great dinner party:

Make a guest list

When thinking about whom to invite to your party, consider the size of your home and where you plan to focus your attention. For example, when hosting a formal dinner party, you may wish to invite only a few guests to comfortably fit at your dinner table. A sprawling outdoor barbecue, however, allows you more flexibility to invite a crowd.

Send invitations

Whether through text, email, social media or a card in the mailbox, the party invitations should go out well in advance of the event. This gives your guests enough time to plan or ask questions. Make sure to include important details like directions, timing and food suggestions.

Plan a menu

The more planning you do, the less stress you’ll have during your party. This is especially true for your menu. Plan what you want to cook and serve at your party, and make sure you have the proper ingredients available. For added security, try any unfamiliar recipes beforehand.

Create atmosphere

Once you’ve established the details of your dinner party, focus on setting the scene. Create an atmosphere to enhance the experience, but not draw away from it. For example, festive string lights create a sparkling ambient light your guests will enjoy all night long.

Dinner parties can seem intimidating. However, the more planning you do before your guests arrive, the better chance you have at a successful dinner party. Keep these basic tips in mind when preparing for your next gathering.

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