Have you ever wanted to know how to throw the perfect dinner party for your friends? You know, a gathering of 6-12 of your favorite people to enjoy an evening of good conversation and merriment? Some people find this to be a daunting task. Even the best home entertainers, at times, find planning a social engagement with appetizers, drinks, dinner and dessert seems to hit a level of stress they don't usually encounter on a daily basis. ~ Culinary Latitudes, llc Article by: Laura Rysman of the New York Times

Food, drink, friends, good conversation — a dinner party is, in the end, a simple and enduring combination of ingredients, made unique by what hosts and guests infuse the evening with. To help you achieve a more flawless and fun-filled gathering, here are a set of guidelines with everything you need to know about throwing your best dinner party.

First, Make a Timeline

Advance planning will ultimately make a dinner party that much easier to pull off. Making accurate lists and giving yourself plenty of time for each task will minimize chaos and help you tackle the inevitable glitches that arise.

The British party planner Fiona Leahy says that as a professional, outsourcing is key for her own busy life, but even if you can’t hire a catering staff for your private affair, think about what you don’t have to do yourself — like picking up a dessert, having wine, flowers or other supplies delivered, or hiring a cleaning service for before or after the party. Keeping it simple for yourself is crucial. “I’m not above just serving a sourdough truffle pizza with great wine,” Leahy says. “It’s the company that counts … and, of course, the tablescape.” Here, her timeline tips for your party:

Two weeks before

Create your guest list, making sure you have enough dishes to serve everyone. (Here are some good, simple suggestions for dinnerware sets.)
Send out your invitations.
Think about the atmosphere and aesthetic you’d like for the evening. Figure out what you’ll need for décor and make a list.

One week before

Pin down confirmations from guests and be sure to check on their dietary restrictions.
Plan your menu, keeping in mind what ingredients are in season and what can be prepared a day before the party.
Think about how you’ll want your dishes to look when served, and be sure to include any special tools, plates or garnishes you’ll need to create.
Pick up candles and any other décor (except flowers) you’ll want for the evening.

Two days before

Pick up all the ingredients for the dinner.
Purchase wine and any other beverages you’ll be serving, and make sure you have a good corkscrew.
Fill up your ice trays and pick up extra ice from the store if you’ll be making cocktails.
Make a playlist (or several).

The day before

Prepare as much of the food as possible, including dessert.
Clean up your home, especially areas where guests will be (the dining room, living room and bathroom) and be sure the trash and the dishwasher are empty for the next day.
Pick up flowers or other natural touches and put them in vases.

The day of

Take it from pro chefs and prepare a mise en place, setting out all of the ingredients, sauces and garnishes you’ll need to finish your dishes around a counter area with a cutting board and good knives. Line up small bowls and fill them with everything you’ll need.
Prepare any last dishes.
Set up the table and any décor. All linens, table settings, glasses, place cards and candles should be laid out at this point.

Two hours before

Arrange all the food you cooked previously on the counter and pull out any potsyou’ll need to prepare them.
Set up a drink and snack station for guests’ arrival with wine or an aperitif and something small to nibble on.
Put pitchers or bottles of water on the table.
Get dressed for the evening.
Light candles and put on your first playlist.
Have a glass of wine or take a moment for yourself so you’re relaxed when your guests arrive.