Fifteen years ago, David and I were fortunate enough to meet Elizabeth Wanless, owner of Great Events. Liz became our wedding planner and orchestrated one of the most unforgettable days of our lives. Yes, it’s our 15^th anniversary this summer! Her meticulous attention to detail, elevated sense of elegance, exceptional organisation skills, and genuine passion for celebrations left an indelible mark on us.

Since then, Liz has accumulated over 15 years of experience in planning elaborate events, from intimate gatherings to grand weddings. This extensive background positions her well to share expert advice on finer touches for elevating your dinner party into an extraordinary experience. Liz’s insight into the intricacies of event planning ensures that every element, no matter how small, contributes to a seamless and enchanting evening.

We are thrilled to present this piece by Liz, in which she highlights essential elements of a memorable dinner party. Her wisdom and experience shine through, offering valuable tips for creating magical and meaningful gatherings.

Our lives are enriched by the connections we forge through shared celebrations. Among these, the dinner party holds a special place, offering a delightful canvas for creating lasting memories.

The reemergence of dinner parties as a central social hub is such a happy development. And psychologically, dinner parties are what we all need to deepen existing and establish new relationships. In some ways, the dinner party is the new quiet place for introductions across social groups. More dinner parties will make for a happier world.

If I hadn’t become a wedding and events planner in 2008, I would have gone down the path of wedding crasher. I loved big celebrations so much that I had to become involved one way or another. What I know now about what makes all gatherings, from intimate dinner parties to large scale events, memorable are these key ingredients.

Occasion

Every dinner party begins with a reason to gather. Whether you’re marking a milestone, celebrating a season, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family, the occasion sets the stage for the evening’s festivities. Leading with the occasion is always a great idea. 

Many people have something they want to celebrate. Tap into one of your own guest’s personal milestones to find something special to celebrate. Engage with your guests, find a common interest, and think about who you are bringing together. Intimate gatherings of 6-12 people are perfect for celebrations. Marking occasions brings its own charm and purpose to the table, making each dinner party unique and memorable.

Enticing Invitation

The invitation serves as the first glimpse into your dinner party’s ambiance. It should reflect the tone and spirit of the event, whether it’s a casual get-together or a themed extravaganza. A well-crafted invitation not only informs but also excites guests, hinting at what awaits.

Your invitation can take many forms, from a phone call or an evite to a text message or a handwritten note. But the wording is key to making it feel special. Be playful with the wording to match your theme. 

For example, if you’re hosting a Bridgerton-themed soirée, try phrasing it like a line from the show: “Gentle reader, you are cordially invited to attend festivities at the estate of…”.

While people often default to texting or calling, taking an extra hour to craft a special invitation demonstrates that this is going to be an extraordinary event. Guests will come excited, with higher expectations, and the anticipation will add to the overall experience.

It may seem old-fashioned, but a well-thought-out invitation has a lot of power in setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Theme

Whether you opt for a rustic Italian feast or a glamorous Hollywood-inspired soirée, the theme sets the mood and inspires creativity.

Incorporate thematic elements throughout—from décor and music to attire and menu—to immerse guests in a memorable experience that transports them beyond the dining table. It doesn’t have to be exhaustive but having an element in each aspect creates a cohesive and immersive experience.

One of my favorite approaches is drawing inspiration from current cultural or entertainment trends. For example, a James Bond theme can be incredibly stylish and sophisticated. Just look at what Hollywood is doing with their launch parties and mimic those ideas. Consider hosting an awards ceremony with little awards at each place setting as part of the surprise. With kids’ parties, you often leave with a kids loot bag; consider handing out something for adults too, like a recipe card of your feature dish.

A rule of thumb is to surprise guests with something every hour. This can be as simple as a change in the music or a special performance. Introducing new elements into your dinner party in stages and involving all the senses—sight, sound, smell, taste—will make the evening unforgettable.

Table Setting

Like a chef’s presentation on a plate, the table setting is your canvas for visual storytelling. Whether you aim for opulence reminiscent of Versailles or the cozy charm of a Parisian bistro, attention to detail is key. 

Seize this chance to use your best dinnerware and linens to make the occasion feel special. If you don’t have fancy pieces, you can rent elegant dinnerware or find unique items at local vintage or thrift stores. Mixing styles can add character and charm.

Incorporate unique pieces like a vintage candelabra to make your table setting stand out. Instead of a traditional tablecloth, use an elaborate fabric from a fabric store or even use craft paper for a fun, casual event. With craft paper, you can write guests’ names with white chalk at each place setting for a personal touch. You can also encourage guests to doodle right on the craft paper for a relaxed atmosphere. And instead of large floral displays, you can incorporate small herb plants like basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint for a sophisticated and aromatic touch.

Menu

At the heart of every dinner party lies the menu. Display the menu prominently, whether written once or at each place setting. A creatively written menu can excite guests and set the tone for the meal. Include details about the ingredients and their local, or exotic, origins as if it were a review in a gourmet magazine.

Be generous with your food supplies. It’s better to have extra than to run out. This way, you will make sure everyone is full. You will also be able to send guests home with leftovers of their favorite dishes. Every part of the menu should be plentiful, as some guests might want seconds. This generosity creates a memorable and satisfying dining experience for everyone.

Ideally, your guests that have any dietary restrictions will be served at the same time as the other guests without drawing attention to their gluten free, dairy free, or plant-based versions. Your guests will be grateful.

Surprise and Delight

Infuse your dinner party with unexpected moments of joy and intrigue.

Welcome guests with a signature cocktail or a themed aperitif that sets the tone for the evening. Consider incorporating live entertainment, personalized touches like heartfelt notes at each place setting, or a show-stopping dessert that leaves a lasting impression. Live entertainment such as a string duo is surprisingly accessible if you hire university music students.

Thoughtful surprises like these elevate your guests’ experiences, fostering connections and creating cherished memories.

Thank You, Liz, For Elevating Our Gatherings

Liz’s passion for bringing people together and creating unforgettable moments is truly inspiring. Her insights into crafting the perfect dinner party is a testament to her dedication and love for celebration.

Incorporating elements from larger celebratory events, such as weddings, can add a special touch to your gatherings. Consider using paper invitations, placing menu cards at each place setting, and writing a personalized note to each guest. Advice like this will transform your dinner party into an extraordinary event that will leave lasting impressions on your guests.

Just as every dinner party begins with a reason to gather, Liz’s guidance ensures that each occasion, whether a milestone or a simple get-together, is filled with charm and purpose. We are grateful to Liz for sharing her beautiful insights and tips, which are sure to inspire many wonderful gatherings.

Thank you, Liz, for continuing to enrich our lives with your creativity and warmth!