Host a Dinner Party on a Budget

Savvy Miss entertaining expert Luce helps members prepare for hosting a dinner party!

Hey Luce,

My boyfriend and I recently moved in together. We just invited his parents over to dinner in our new place and now I'm panicked. With such a small kitchen and minimal cooking experience, I don't know what to do. This will be the first meal I have made them. Every time my man and I have gone out with them, they've ordered the most ornate, expensive dishes on the menu. How do I "wow" them without breaking the bank?

-Freaked Out

I would say above all else: Relax! If your man's mother would expect you to be "all things" or perfect, then that would be her problem, not yours. Don't try to pretend you're something that you're not (like a gourmet, "ornate" cook). MOST IMPORTANTLY, remember everyone will enjoy themselves if you, the hostess, are enjoying yourself. This is the most important item on the menu. This alone will "wow" them!

Now, as for your small kitchen, limited cooking experience and budget: Trader Joe's is your friend! Print this list and bring it to TJ's, and don't forget to pick up some fresh flowers for the table while you're there. Be sure to keep the flowers simple and low; you don't want to block the view across the table for conversation.

DINNER PARTY MUST

For any dinner party, always ask your guests ahead of time if there is anything that they're allergic to or just won't eat. You would hate to find out that you were serving something that they are allergic to, and could not eat.

Here's your dinner party on a budget menu:

Sun-dried Tomato and Pesto Torte with box of mixed Water Crackers and Wine.
It's a good idea to have a white chilled and have a red on hand, too, just in case. Since wine is a subject all its own, I'll leave the wine selection to you. I'm sure your man knows what they like, so make sure you have that available.