When hosting a party at home it’s important to “set the stage” before the main event – breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – is served and keep the party interesting and lively. Here are some ideas to consider for your next event:

Floral Arrangements – whether you order one or more beautiful arrangements from a local florist or turn to your garden for clippings to use in bud vases at each place setting or to create centerpieces for your table (hostas, hydrangeas, and roses are timeless), plants and flowers are a must. Keep in mind the height of your centerpieces: keep them low or high so guests can converse without having to “go around” the floral arrangement.

Place Settings – have an interesting group of friends and family at your next event? Create a seating chart that mixes it up – a great way to make new introductions and spark some new, lively conversation. Use traditional place cards or make your own that centers around the theme of your party. For example, if you’re serving a variety of seafood dishes, you can purchase shells at your local craft store and attach the name card to the shell with netting or twine.

Go with the Flow – if a sit-down dinner is not your style, create various food stations throughout the favorite rooms in your house. Serve cocktails in the living room, hors d’oeuvres in the kitchen, and heavier appetizers or main dish meals in the dining room. Have a grand piano? Desserts look fabulous here!

Have Us Cater Your Event

From an intimate bridal shower to a surprise birthday party for 150 of your closest friends, the restaurants of Valpodining.com are experts in party and event planning. Whether you choose to host a private event at one of our restaurants or enjoy the ambiance and ease of an expertly crafted dinner within your home, Valpodining.com offers the culinary professionals to help you tailor a menu to suit your occasion.