A good dinner party is one that lasts in the minds of guests for years to come. But how does one create a great dinner party? Even more so, how does a corporate dinner party surpass merely making small talk with those you are seated next while watching the clock? Great dinner receptions must provide drama from the moment of arrival and not drama of the soap opera sort. 

Recently, a breathtaking dinner reception was held at The Anderson House at the Society of the Cincinnati. Hosts DC put together a beautiful event. It left guests in awe from the moment they drove up to the moment they finished their final glass of wine for the evening. But what is the perfect combination for such an amazing event? Emphasizing these three key elements will get you well on your way: 

1. Location, Location,Location: Choose an amazing location. The Anderson House is a beautiful building with gorgeous arches and columns and impeccable landscaping. The inside boasts gorgeous hardwood floors, plush velvet seating, and baroque inspired detailing with gold filigree and breathtaking crystal chandeliers.
2. Initial Awe: The location obviously plays a huge role in guests being initially awed; however, timing and ambiance are the cherries on top. Having guests arrive at dusk to a house lit by spotlights, or cafe lights if appropriate, creates the perfect mood for the evening. 
3. Extraordinary Tablescape: Given that a dinner party does, in fact, center around the dinner, the table needs to be legendary. The table at The Anderson House, while keeping it simple, provided amazing dramatic effect. The table was outfitted with tea light candles for the entire length of the table. The candles were placed in gold votives creating ambient light. The dark table cloth along with plates outlined in black and gold and dark chairs made the large room and lengthy table feel more intimate.