Host a Themed Dinner Party!

Has your husband recently informed you that he has yet again invited people for dinner next Friday night? You can already feel your nerves jumping, who could it possibly be this time?!

Then he lays it on you, it's his boss and his wife, and you really need to impress them! You can't afford to go all crazy and spend hundreds of dollars and have it catered. What should you do?

Follow the steps below and you'll be on your way to a fantastic dinner party at once!

Step One: Decide on a Theme

People love to go to parties where there is a theme, it takes the monotony out of the usual get together. So choose a theme that you think your guests will enjoy. Some examples are:

Luau

Fiesta

Seasonal

Holiday

Decade

Western

Step Two: Choose your Menu

Once you've decided on a theme, choose your menu to carefully mimic your theme. For example, if you have a luau serve ham with pineapple, if you are having a fiesta, serve tacos or burritos. I would suggest having courses. Serve an appetizer, then salad, then the main course and of course don't forget dessert!

When you are trying to impress a boss it's very important to show multitasking skills, so serving different courses, will show that you can interact with them and prepare a fancy meal at the same time!

Step Three: Set your Budget!!

This is the most important step of all. You know you can't afford real fancy, so make sure you figure out what you CAN afford before you go shopping!

Step Four: The Shopping

The most fun of all! Choose to do your shopping in your local discount stores first! Visit discount grocers like Dollar Tree and Aldi's for your groceries before you go anywhere else. Chances are you'll find what you need here without having to go to any high priced grocery stores.

While you are in the Dollar Store, check out their party supplies. Most of the time you'll be able to find a selection of party goods with themes or in similar colors. This will save you a ton of money over going to the local party supply store!

I recommend purchasing the following matching items for your dinner party:

Of course the food

Napkins

Drinking Glasses, depending on the type of theme you've chosen, coconut glasses for a luau party.

Decorations, like hibiscus flowers for your table centerpiece

Step Five: Preparing for the Party

This is by far the most difficult step! Start early in the day, prepare everything you can ahead of time, so that you only have to warm it up between courses. This will save you a huge amount of time later!

Set the table, then go take a long hot bath, so you'll be more relaxed when it's time for them to come. Put on some makeup, smile and answer the door! With everything already prepared, you can enjoy yourself.