Formal dinner parties can be an arduous task especially if you have never done one before. It’s something that requires a lot of preplanning and a bit of an artistic eye. Much of what is expected of a dinner host is pretty basic: cook the food, have enough dishes, grab some drinks, etc. If you really want your guests to have a next-level experience, though, you can make the event formal, let everyone get dressed up, and cook something extra special. To find out how you can achieve this for yourself, check out these tips for hosting your first formal dinner.

Use a Tablecloth

Using an attractive tablecloth Tablecloths should be ironed before being set out for entertaining if you’re using one. If you want your napkins to match the rest of your table setting, use cloth or linen. Fold or put out napkin rings for exhibition after pressing or ironing them. If you prefer not to use a whole tablecloth, use a table runner as an alternative.

Set the Mood

With lighting and appropriate music, you can create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion, no matter how formal or informal it is. Dim the lights to a reasonable level and place candles on the table and in the surrounding areas for a warm, welcoming glow for a more formal dinner party. It’s best to steer clear of candles with strong scents since they might overpower the aroma of the meal you’re serving. This may be the single most important tip for hosting your first formal dinner.

Set the Table

It’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with the different types of table settings. A semiformal dinner gathering will require more dinnerware than a casual buffet or outdoor barbeque. A dinner plate with a smaller salad dish on top is characteristic of a semiformal setting, as are two forks—one for salad and one for dinner—as well as a knife and spoon on the left. Because the majority of individuals are right-handed, separate glasses for water and wine should be placed on the right of each setting.

Set Up Your Bathroom

Spruce up your bathroom! Guests would appreciate cotton or linen hand towels for drying their hands at a semiformal or formal. Stock up on luxury soap and lotion for the bathroom, and keep extras in the cupboards. In order to keep the bathroom feeling and smelling fresh all night, light a scented candle or install a fragrance diffuser.