Set the date(01 of14)
Open Image ModalFind the 'right' playlist(02 of14)
Open Image ModalIf you like to think of yourself as a bit of a musical genius, then you'll be 'au fait' with the workings of Spotify. You'll also probably already have your own 'dinner pardy playlist', in which case you can skip ahead. If, like us, you're slightly useless when it comes to music and you haven't got a clue what's down with the kids, then you might want to familiarise yourself with Spotify's pre-made playlists. Those guys have got music for every occasion. There’s a whole category filled with playlists specifically to listen to whilst eating dinner. Yes really. Choose from the 'Dinner with Friends' playlist or a bit of 'Mellow Indie Dinner'. Alternatively if you're feeling really snazzy and a little continental then there's 'French Cuisine'. Ooh la la! (credit:Steven Errico via Getty Images)
Scrabble place settings(03 of14)
Open Image ModalBulk buy candles(04 of14)
Open Image ModalWe don’t need to expand on this one really. Candles are heavenly creations. The mood will be oh so right. (credit:Julia Davila-Lampe via Getty Images)
Make a chalkboard menu(05 of14)
Open Image ModalWant to show your friends what they’re going to be eating, but in a super trendy way? Invest in a cheap blackboard, brush up on your swirly writing skills and create a lovely-looking chalkboard menu. Prop up against a wall and you're ready to go!Snazzy. (credit:Gregor Schuster via Getty Images)
DIY some drink tags(06 of14)
Open Image ModalKeep drinks cool with a zesty twist(07 of14)
Open Image ModalStill on the subject of drinks, we’re all for freezing lemon and lime segments and using them as funky and oh-so-flavoursome ice cubes. Tremendous. (credit:mareandmare via Getty Images)
Create a second fridge(08 of14)
Open Image ModalDinner parties always warrant the use of an extra fridge, purely because you go a bit bananas with ingredient-buying and then you get home and realize that you’ve got a standard size fridge-freezer. And nowhere to put half of your shopping. Oops.Don’t worry though as you can just invest in a large cool-bag, fill it with freezer blocks and utilize your new makeshift fridge space for either excess food storage or, if your priorities are correct, beverages. (credit:Greg Elms via Getty Images)
Be prepared(09 of14)
Open Image ModalPreparation is key, right? Prepping whatever you can towards your meal is pretty crucial and if you can do it the night before then even better.It gives you extra time to figure out how you're going to go about setting your table, or styling your hair... (credit:sasha_t via Getty Images)
Hide any animals(10 of14)
Open Image ModalFurry friends at the table, or under the table, or even near the table aren't usually well received. (credit:Imgur)
Who needs a vase?(11 of14)
Open Image ModalIf you don’t have the luxury of having a full-on vase to hand, then why not try popping some small and lovely blooms from your back garden in mismatched teacups, or even egg cups? (credit:Sharon Lapkin via Getty Images)
Pimp your cutlery(12 of14)
Open Image ModalNapkin pegs(13 of14)
Open Image ModalNapkin rings - pfft who uses those? Use some retro, wooden pegs to keep your napkins neatly folded together. And if you're feeling really creative, then give them a lick of paint. (credit:Dorling Kindersley via Getty Images)
After-dinner entertainment(14 of14)
Open Image ModalAfter-dinner entertainment is pretty essential if you want your dinner shindig to end on a high. Try the charades-based app, Heads Up for a barrel of laughs and to see how terrible your friend's acting skills are. Plus the app will secretly record your friends whilst they take part, meaning you can watch the video back afterwards and cry with laughter.Hilarity factor: 9/10 (credit:Portra Images via Getty Images)