Just a few notes on making a successful dinner party which have served me well over the years. I make no claim for originality about these observations, but they might just help!
Cook things you have done before (successfully). Don't be tempted to cook something new for an impressive dinner party. There are far too many things that could go wrong and, even if it does all work out well, you will be under loads of stress and not enjoying it.
So, cook things you have managed at least once before - practice on yourself, or at least on very close company who will not mind if dinner is very late, or burnt! It's OK to scale up a recipe later for a larger number, but you want it to be easy so that you can relax and enjoy the company.
Selecting your guests. This is of course a matter of personal taste, not to mention what your objectives are! You could be more relaxed in the timing and seating if everyone is a close friend; if you are out to impress someone, then a little more formality may be called for.
If at all possible, get firm acceptances, so you are sure exactly how many people you are feeding, and how many places to lay at the table. Don't invite more than you can comfortably seat around a single table - or the closest approximation you can manage. And specify clearly an arrival time with the invitation, so that the food can be properly cooked at the right time.
Make sure you invite at least one close friend to act as an assistant host while you are slaving away in the kitchen.
Drinks. Find out what your guests prefer to drink and cater to their tastes. There's absolutely no point in spending a fortune on an expensive bottle of red wine or the finest champagne, only to be told "But I only drink beer" (or alcopops).
If you have the time, tempt your guests with cocktails and mixed drinks before dinner. Serve snacks and nibbles with the drinks, so that people are not entirely ravenous before they get to the table.
Make sure you have plenty of soft drinks, chilling in the fridge - at least some of your guests are likely to be driving home afterwards. In any case, drinking water as well as wine is good for you - put out separate glasses for each of these. Offer both still and sparkling bottled water, orange juice and perhaps a caffinated cola drink.
Have an "Assistant Host". Even with the the best preparation, cooking for a dinner party will require you to spend some time in the kitchen, concentrating on the cooking. So what you need is a spouse, partner or just a close friend, who makes sure your guests are looked after - glasses topped up, and so on - while you are attending to the food. Then you can focus on the finishing touches in the kitchen and whisk out your wonderful food to general acclamation.
