For occasions big or small, inviting friends over for a meal is always special, though you may be having a few questions.

What food should you serve to satisfy every taste?

What is the most appetizing way to present your plates?

How should you set your table to subtly express attention to your guests?

A successful meal comes down to these small details.

1. Setting the Environment

Even before setting your table, make sure the environment is immaculate. Tidy up, dust, declutter and vacuum as needed. Keep in mind to enjoy a meal, a feeling of space is crucial. Count the number of guests and accordingly set up the seating arrangements. Add extra seats if there are more guests so that no one feels left out or sit in another room.

2. Setting the Mood

Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to the overall vibe of a room. Having a warm and well-lit space will make the gathering that much cosier. Adding candles, tea lamps and decorative accessories to the shelves and walls, string lights to highlight paintings, flowers in water floaters and aromatic diffusers livens up your living space.

3. Take Space into Consideration

Whether you are entertaining guests in your living room or outdoor, ensure that the traffic area around the table is completely open. Think about the placement of all the elements decorating your table, so that you won’t have to move them around when you are serving food. If you have a large table, placing a flower vase as a centrepiece would make a decorative statement.

4. Setting the Table

Adding texture, colour and pattern can make a huge difference to the look of a table. These could be in the form of table cloths, table runners, placemats, napkins and crockery. Laying a thick cloth underneath your table cloth would be a good tip if you are planning to serve in glassware or silverware. This will dampen noise when you set down your crockery and some comfort to your guests when they rest their arms on the table.

5. Setting the Condiments

Distribute your condiments around the table so that everyone can reach them. Make sure you have one gravy bowl for every two to three people. Also plan on a small plate for scrap waste from certain dishes, such as seafood platters, which you can remove gradually. Avoid keeping food packaging on the table unless you have bought something high-end, such as a wine bottle or a fine cheese.

6. Serving the Food

Serve the elders or special guests first. At the moment of serving, move to the right of the guest if you are right-handed, and to the left, if you are left-handed to avoid messes. Move around the table in a clockwise fashion. To keep the flavours of a hot dish, put them in the oven a few minutes before serving. At the end of the meal, remember to bring out some sweet treats.

Favour simple, homemade dishes and keep in mind that the art of entertaining is the art of giving all of yourself for the pleasure of your guests.

Ultimately have fun, as it is all about enjoying yourselves with great company.