It’s finally happened—you’re living the dream! You work hard, but you play harder. THE job, THE social life…you’ve claimed all the characteristics of a fabulous life in THE city. Reaching many of your life’s goals now leaves time to embark upon a fun, more enjoyable mission—planning the ultimate, urban dinner party.

Perhaps you think the last ounce of your energy has been spent pursuing your master’s degree or jumping hurdles along your career path. Hosting a dinner party sounds like fun, though the only event you really want to plan after a long day at the office is happy hour cocktails with your closest, and equally busy, group of friends.

Don’t feel overwhelmed; planning an urban dinner party can be fun, educational and almost therapeutic.

Who Doesn’t Love a Good Party?

Professional party planner, and Renaissance woman, Lauren Smith has revitalized the party planning concept while living in Brooklyn, New York. Smith truly takes entertaining to personal level and is collaborating with interior decorator, Isabella Patrick, to produce Soirée, a party-planning project hosted within the New York City area that will combine culinary and visual elements for perfect seasonal party organization.

By demonstrating how to tie together different components of design, food and theme, Smith hopes to “…inspire women to create their own exquisite and artful celebrations…” Women who are not professional party planners are still able to organize an elegant event with a few professional suggestions, a bit of creativity and a lot of love for their friends.

Guests who are invited to your soiree should feel special. Showing your guests how deeply you care is essential throughout the party planning process. Start by mailing paper invitations, says Smith, as this gesture is much more thoughtful than sending the electronic version.

Size Matters

A typical city apartment would make an intimate setting for a dinner party of a dozen close girlfriends. If you only have a limited amount of space, it’s time to become creative. Ladies who live in a metropolis are often limited regarding the number of guests they can accommodate. In many smaller apartments the same space serves as both the preparation and serving areas.

Considering these limitations, Smith advises party planners to know the confines of their space and suggests hosting a cocktail party rather than a sit-down dinner. By serving a variety of smaller food items and one “kickass cocktail,” like Smith’s Red Grape Prosecco [below], guests will enjoy your party and not try to exit via the fire escape.

But if your goal is to host a larger gathering–a group comprised of childhood friends, work buddies and party pals–a larger space could be necessary to entertain comfortably. Inquire about your building’s rooftop access policy, since these spaces often make for perfect entertaining on beautiful, warm evenings lit by the city’s streetlights.

For a unique setting, Smith suggests planning parties in a local park–this works well especially for smaller, daytime events. Hosting a party in the park allows city dwellers to enjoy a green slice of nature within the concrete jungle. However, remember that it is a public space and enjoyed by many other people. After finding the most comfortable spot in the park, grab a few tables and chairs, or lawn area, and prepare to welcome your guests.

Theme Party

Choosing a theme is great fun, as it demands creativity–especially when working with a limited amount of space. Holidays, birthdays, seasonal celebrations and girlfriend reunions afford limitless options for when it comes to party themes.

Hostesses should begin planning by researching the elements that will provide cohesiveness to their party concept. Discovering the colors, lighting concepts, flavors and music that will make your party environment unique. Smith suggests choosing fun and traditional elements for decorating your apartment–and remember not to underestimate the value of utilizing the vertical space.

“Create a whimsical and fun environment, by focusing on ambiance, mood and texture. Surprise people,” recommends Smith and also know that “…imperfection can be beautiful.” Using a set of dishes with mismatched bowls could look effortlessly beautiful if they share complementary features. She also mentions that party wares can be found in unusual places. Smith found beautiful, antique jars in her grandparents’ basement that served as drinking glasses during a recent party.

Fear Not, Foodie

Knowing the difference between Seirass and raclette cheese or flambé and brûlée, is not a prerequisite to dinner party hosting—even if you haven’t cooked since you lost that bet with your (now ex) boyfriend, you can still organize a memorable gathering. “Try not to prepare overcomplicated meals, and be considerate of guests, knowing in advance of food restrictions,” advises Smith.

Another tip for kitchen novices is to explore your neighborhood for fresh, quality ingredients. Living in a city affords the opportunity to find exotic, ethnic and gourmet food products that are not found elsewhere. Forego a supermarket and visit smaller specialty shops to purchase groceries. In addition to providing the highest quality ingredients, these local mom-and-pop shops are usually owned and operated by connoisseurs of the products that they sell. Whether you are shopping for an exotic vegetable, rare cheese or specific cut of beef, someone who works in a smaller store usually welcomes the opportunity to discuss their offerings and will recommend suggestions for proper serving.

Before preparing dinner for your party, be certain to have a game plan. Organize your ingredients, cooking tools and recipes in advance to avoid becoming flustered. Finish most of your food preparation prior to the arrival of your guests. If hot dishes require the oven or stove, prepare them for cooking a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate until they should be cooked. According to Smith a hostess’ goal is to create a seamless feeling in the evening. You are supposed to enjoy the company of your guests, which will be impossible if you are preparing dishes during the party.

Summer in the City

If your get together is to happen during the summer months, you should avoid using your oven. The appliance could generate additional heat, increasing the temperature in your apartment to well over 100˚F. Making delicious food for guests is possible without converting your apartment into a sauna.

Instead, consider a rooftop. Smith advises using your grill and a variety of natural ingredients including butter, white wine, corn from the farmer’s market, sausage from the local butcher or fresh fish from your trusted seafood store.

Spirits and desserts should feature light elements like fresh fruits, herbs or frozen creamy treats. Smith’s tip for dessert is to grill fresh fruits. When you remove them from the heat, brush on a honey and balsamic vinegar mixture and finish by arranging over homemade whipped cream. Fruity, flavorful sangria is the perfect summertime beverage to accompany any meal.

Keep decorations simple for a summer season urban party. Use natural materials including paper lanterns, bamboo, light linen fabrics and plenty of citronella candles. Smith advises starting the party later in the day, as the sun begins to set to ensure the optimal level of comfort for your guests.

Regardless of apartment size, budget, design or culinary expertise every woman can successfully organize a beautiful gathering for friends. Planning an exquisite urban party requires only a little imagination and the desire to create beautiful, memorable moments. Just remember, Smith says, to take lots of photos of those special moments.

Lauren Smith’s Red Grape Prosecco

Two bunches of red grapes
½ cup sugar
Prosecco
Mint

Reduce grapes over low heat. Add sugar; boil to dissolve and strain, reserving the liquid to make simple syrup. Do not boil the mixture longer than necessary, as this will make the syrup too thick.

Serve in a flute with Prosecco, add a few mint leaves and enjoy!

Article written by Dorothy Crouch for Moxy Magazine, May 2011. Image courtesy of Fernando de Sousa.