How to prepare a fine dinner party in Switzerland

I read an amusing article in a grocery store newsletter, the «Coop Zeitung», which is like the «Pirkka Lehti» in Finland.

It was about how to prepare a fine dining experience for you guests whilst avoiding stress.

Most of the advice was simple and common sense, such as «plan your menu in advance», a good tip was to make a serving «rehearsal» the day before to see nothing is missing. 

Sounds like overkill? Not in this case, as the article was about making a dinner of 9 courses for 9 guests.

It starts with the selection of guests «The guests should have common interests; sports, traveling, eating, or drinking».

Personally, I never had problems entertaining guests who liked food & drink.

The best part was the checklist, so fabulously Swiss.

Two weeks prior:

1. Ask the guests about any food allergies

2. Warn your neighbours

3. Ensure enough parking space

The day before:

1. Cool ice for the drinks

2. Place drinks in the fridge

3. Set the table as a dry-run to see if anything is missing

4. Choose your outfit

On the day of the dinner:

1. Make space for gifts, and bring out vases for flowers from the guests (how embarrassing for the guests and yourself if no-one brings flowers...) Tip: Invite Swiss guests, they will

2. Make space for umbrellas and for overcoats

3. Place fresh soap and guest towels in the bathroom. Place one guest towel as an example in a small basket so that your guests know where to put the used ones

4. Place soft toilet paper and extra rolls of (soft) toilet paper in the bathroom

5. Hide your personal hygiene stuff and medication

6. Put away any post that’s lying around

7. Empty the dishwasher and trash

8. Place out bottle openers

9. Spray the apartment with a nice scent

10. Create a working plan for cooking and pay attention to each recipe’s timing

11. Light your apartment beautifully

12. Place ashtrays on the balcony and ensure there is enough seating for smokers. (Add lambskins and cozy blankets in the winter).

After the event:

Note the names of the guests and what was served, this will be helpful for your next dinner party.

My recommendation: Fewer courses and more guests. When you invite your good friends you can relax even before the dinner and focus on having fun.