Tips to Throw the Perfect Dinner Party

Chef Michael Smith and Editor Anjum Nayyar

For masalamommas like you and me, a dinner party can mean making meals several days before to prep for the big night with special friends or family, or it can mean take out from our favourite restaurant (guilty, I’ve done it more than once!). Or it can mean making some staple Indian dishes mixed with other non-Indian to accommodate varying palates. Whatever the vision, putting on a dinner party can feel like a daunting task. We all know that  you can never at South Asian get-togethers, God forbid, run short on food, so always make more than you need, right…?

For us South Asian moms, we know that hosting a diner party is not just about the party, it’s about welcoming people into your homes, sharing your family, your values and your moments with others.

So I was thrilled when I got a chance to learn from the expert, Chef Michael Smith at a Cascade #SparklingClean dinner at The Chase Restaurant in Toronto about what he thinks makes the perfect dinner party. He cooked up his Southwest Salad, Greek Chicken and Flaming Banana Splits! Who better to learn from than the Chef who knows what makes a party, a party!

Here are his top tips to throw the perfect dinner party:

1. Spend Time Preparing to Save Time Later 

2. Clean as You Go

3. Start with a Bang 

4. Give Hosts Something Fun to Do

5. Make Guests Feel Special 

Set a beautiful Setting

6. Share the Work

7. Have a Grand Finale

Flamed bananas with chocolate

Watch this video of Chef Michael Smith sharing his thoughts on what makes a great party including how to get guests involved!

Chef Michael Smith Shares What He Likes to Use in His Indian Cooking (Watch as he talks about Dal and Aloo Gobi!)

For more dinner party tips and recipes visit foodnetwork.ca/cascade. You will also find useful videos on how to create a welcoming table setting and how to create a party grand finale.

Get Chef Michael Smith’s Sweet Potato Aloo Gobi recipe.

Disclosure: I am a #PGmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. Opinions in this story are my own.

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