Austin can throw chic dinner parties too - Patrice Nichole Rios

http://thefive-senses.blogspot.com/2010/05/eating-out.html

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party in your 700 square foot apartment or the roof top of a building over looking the city skyline, one thing you want to remember…the absolute MOST important detail is the DECOR! Once you decide on the location for your dinner party, start making your guest list. Try to keep it short, I suggest a maximum of twelve close friends and family. Keeping your guest list at this size allows for great conversation, but not enough to get a noise complaint (trust me on this). Next on the checklist is creating your menu. To make it easy, pick a theme…for example French cuisine… if it’s a summer night dinner party with a French theme, start researching and get your google on. Maybe contact one of your favorite French restaurants. Such as Peche, a local French restaurant here in Austin. Their website shows several entrées you could attempt at home or always call to see if they provide catering (don’t believe anyone who says catering is cheating.. it can be our little secret). Make sure to pick fantastic appetizers, light salads, rich soups, and main courses that look beautiful on a plate. If you are a super hero and decide to cook everything on your own, make sure you buy quality ingredients, and there’s no better place in my opinion to go to than Austin’s very own Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods has everything you need to throw a chic dinner party.

Menu from Peche, one of Austin's best French restaurants

So, how do you truly impress your dinner guests? Well, if you’re anything like me (a huge planner) there’s time to mail out invitations. You want to make sure to highlight the theme of the party and maybe mention the dress attire (nothing is worse than going all out for a special event and having your guest arrive and not be camera ready). Inviting Affairs is a great local company for ordering invitations for any occasion.The great thing about hosting for a small group is that you can make the party as personal as you’d like. Place cards and small take home party favors are always a good idea. A party favor could consist of a bottle of French wine with a personal label created by you (check out Austin’s www.personalwine.com) or making personal take home desserts. Adding small touches such as these to the table will definitely make it memorable.

Personalize your party favors to make it extra memorable

Decide on a color scheme to make it easier when selecting chinaware and linens (table cloths and napkins). Don’t forget the centerpieces! Tons of candles are necessary; I mean everyone looks good in candle lighting. Simply wow your guest with something original. Just make it your own, show everyone the small things you appreciate... and have a GREAT TIME!

Whatever your style is... make it memorable!

 Remember there is always help out there. If you feel overwhelmed, contact your local event planner immediately....and leave it all up to them. A great event planning company that I have worked with closely is from Austin, called Guest List Intimate Event Design... check them out!

I encourage everyone to have a formal dinner party, so if you do, send us photos! Mais and I would love to see how we have inspired you.

Xo, Patrice Nichole Rios

(Photos were gathered from the following sites: http://www.invitingaffairs.com/, www.blog.weddingwire.com, www.calorielab.com, http://www.lunchboxmagazine.com/, http://www.pecheaustin.com/, www.biancarodriguez.files.wordpress.com, http://www.beautifulpurposeevents.com/, http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/)