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Falconcrest Homes believes that your home should be a place of beauty and comfort to create lasting memories. With these luxury entertaining tips, Falconcrest Homes helps you take an average dinner party and upgrade it to a high-end event.

The Guest List & Seating Arrangements

An upscale soiree requires more planning than an off-the cuff get-together. Your guest list will allow you to create the perfect seating arrangements for the evening. An official invitation that advises a ‘cocktail dress code’ will set the tone of the event. You can even suggest black tie to give the party an extra special twist. Crafting or buying place cards not only looks classy, but makes the evening run more smoothly. To keep conversation lively during dinner, seat each guest between someone they know, or someone you feel they would enjoy conversing with. It’s the little details that make entertaining high class.

Hor d’oeuvres & Cocktails

A glamorous dinner party must include sumptuous pre-dinner offerings. Slice up baguettes and lightly toast them, top with fresh ricotta, a little black pepper and a drizzle of truffle oil. As guests enter, greet them at the door with a beautiful tray of mock and cocktails in beautiful champagne or martini glasses. Sparkling wine feels luxurious, and it’s always a celebration when you manage to fit recreational adult socializing in your busy schedule- so cheers! For easy elegance, pick one simple cocktail for the night, preferably one that’s not too sweet, or make a punch in a big beautiful glass bowl.

Tables Settings

Use your crystal stemware- Not only should beverages be presented well, but crystal stemware is a must for any luxury dinner party, as it immediately upgrades the atmosphere. Beyond that, you may be surprised at how affordable some of these items are if you need to make a last minute purchase ahead of your dinner party. However, it is also worth investing in high quality items as they can be used time and time again. Get that fine china out of the cabinet and ensure you are using proper plate and cutlery settings. Looking for that last subtle touch for the table setting? Fabric napkins present a more luxurious environments. Nice silver or gold napkin rings can take your table setting to the next level, and turn your dining room into something a bit fancier.

 Atmosphere

The lighting will set the mood of any room. Candlelight makes the entire home feel magical. Thick white pillar candles are a classic, along with clear bowls filled with floating candles.  Fresh flowers—either floating in water or placed in simple yet elegant displays in the entertaining area adds to the up-scale feel. A musical play-list sets the backdrop to interesting conversation. Go with a classic feel with old time jazz tunes, or go modern with a playlist from Spotify that does the hard work for you, choosing songs that maintain a certain feel for the night. Keep a quick game on hand. Remember, it is not just about appearance, but the quality of entertainment will make your evening top rate.

Meal

One word, braise. It’s elegant and appears impressive without requiring a high level of skill. You can braise meat and vegetables equally well. Better yet you can prepare it the day before and reheat it so you have zero dishes to wash. If you lack cooking skills entirely, or the time to cook from scratch, you can still host an up-scale dinner with store-bought food. Specialty stores with fresh quality made entrees are just as tasty. Arrange them nicely on a platter with herbs and sliced lemons or garnish of choice.

High-end hosting need not be complicated if you incorporate these luxurious touches. And the award goes to…..you–for hosting a sophisticated soiree that will have your friends and family raving!