How To Host An Alfresco Dinner Party

Our food columnist Paola Westbeek says to ignore rules and rigidity when hosting

FOR SOME of us, the words “dinner party” are inherently jovial, bringing to mind convivial images of friends and family gathered around a table teeming with culinary bounty and the sounds of animated conversation, laughter and glasses festively clinking long after the meal has ended. Personally, I see it as a wonderful opportunity to share my love for food with those I hold dear. Unlike going out to a restaurant—which I enjoy, but can feel rather impersonal—I take great pleasure in inviting people to dine with me at home. Everything, from the menu planning and delicious anticipation as the event draws near, to the actual cooking and sitting down to savour the fruits of my labour with loved ones, is a reason for gratitude.

There are others, however, for whom the connotation is anything but pleasant. The thought of taking on the role of host(ess) can be enough to frazzle their nerves with feelings of inadequacy, no matter how great their culinary prowess may be. While being a good cook does not necessarily translate to having a knack for effortless entertaining, hosting a dinner party with flair and poise requires a little planning and, above all, the realisation that the food is but a small part of what will make an evening truly memorable.