Black tie dinner party

What it is

A proper formal dinner: black tie, a beautifully laid table, several courses with wines to match and a midnight toast. Ideal for New Year’s Eve or a significant anniversary. Hiring a private chef lets the host enjoy it too.

Plan ahead

• Four weeks before: send formal invitations with the dress code. Consider booking a private chef.
• One week before: finalise the menu and wine pairings. Buy candles, flowers and place cards.
• The day before: set the table, polish glasses, prep anything that can be done ahead.

Set the table

White linen, a low centrepiece of flowers and candles, cutlery laid outside-in by course, glasses for champagne, white, red and water, and handwritten place cards. Seat couples apart to mix conversation.

Sample menu

1. Canapés: smoked salmon blinis, gougères
2. Starter: seared scallops with pea purée (or burrata with figs)
3. Palate cleanser: lemon sorbet
4. Main: beef fillet with dauphinoise and red wine jus (or wild mushroom risotto)
5. Dessert: chocolate fondant with crème fraîche
6. Cheese (optional) with port

Tips

• Choose dishes that can be finished in under 10 minutes each.
• Keep music low and classic: jazz or piano.