6 Tips on How to Host a Dinner Party Like a Chef

If you have dreams of hosting a dinner party like a dinner party like a A�chef, you are in our heads right now. Although we are not chefs at Black Southern Belle, we do have some help from a Winston-Salem, NC raised chef today.A�Ashley Hardesty, founder of the upscale dinner party series, The Table Experience and lifestyle connoisseur. Today, Ashley shares herA�6 Tips on How to Host a Dinner Party Like a Chef. No need to start from scratch or be afraid to have some friends over because we are giving you all you need to be a true southern hostess. Clear your calendar for your next party and check these tips on how to host a dinner party like a chef.A�

1 a�?Planning

Making sure you have all the elments needed for a great dinner experience. Time isA�key when punctuating the meal. No one likes to show up to a dinner party and learn the food is not ready for serving. That can ruin the experience for the guest.

2 a�?Pairing

It’s important to make sure that everything makes sense when it comes to the menu, the wine, the purchase of seasonal produce, and how these things compliment each other.

3 a�? Prepping

Do not, I repeat, do not grocery shop the day of your dinner if you can avoid it. Ideally I visit farmer’s markets and groceries 1-2 days before hosting a dinner. It’s one less thing on your list to stress about.

4 a�?Placement

Seating your guest at the table, creating a beautiful tablescape, and correct placement of the dinner table are things that help create a great dinner atmosphere.

5a�? Playing

Spend time amongst your guests. A great host enjoys the evening dining beside their guest. A bad host is in the kitchen the entire time and isn’t able to enjoy dinner in their home with others.

6a�? Waitstaff

Waitstaff- The fire proof way to make sure you have all the help you need for a successful event is to hire waitstaff. There are plenty of services online that you can go through to hire servers. They can help you with serving the entrees, plating your food, pouring wine, and help you with clean up at the end of the night. Most waitstaff work off an hourly rate and are usually very reasonable.

Get more inspiration for your next dinner party from the beautiful images below!