\u2018Virtual\u2019 has become a popularly used phrase in recent times and you can now pretty much do everything virtually \u2013 even a dinner party! Award-winning chef, Simon Crockford from The Celtic Collection, has shared his top tips for hosting the perfect virtual dinner party with your friends. Simon is the Executive Restaurant Chef overseeing eight operations within the collection, including a garden to plate fine dining restaurant with rooms, an Asian-inspired restaurant, a smokehouse and grill, two golf clubhouses restaurants and a two AA rosette steak house.<\/p>\n

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1. Organising Your Guest List<\/h4>\n

Like you would with any real-life dinner party, preparing the guest list is the first and foremost part of planning. However, as you\u2019ve probably realised by now, too many people on a video call doesn\u2019t really work, so choose between four and six friends and cordially invite them to join you for some virtual wining and dining. Choosing a date won\u2019t be difficult, so all you will have to worry about is getting rid of any distractions and making the most of each other\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

2. Dress Code<\/h4>\n

Just because this is virtual doesn\u2019t mean you can get away with not setting a dress code! Use this as an excuse to take the loungewear off and get glammed up for a night. You are probably used to seeing your friends and family in their more relaxed state so this will make a nice change.<\/p>\n

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3. Setting the Table<\/h4>\n

Now, this isn\u2019t like any normal dinner party you\u2019ve hosted; this is a virtual dinner party, so the table really can be anywhere or anything you like! If you\u2019d prefer to go traditional and use your dining table as the setting for your party, then dress it like you usually would as the host of a dinner party. Lay out your crockery, put your drink of choice on ice to avoid having to go back and forth to the kitchen, light some candles and make it feel as realistic as possible. Encourage your friends to do the same so you can all create a similar vibe.<\/p>\n

However, no-one is going to judge you if you\u2019d all rather just whip a tray out from the cupboard and enjoy your meal and each other\u2019s company from the comfort of your sofa!<\/p>\n

4. Drink<\/h4>\n

Whatever your drink of choice might be, make sure you have enough of it to last the evening. If you are thinking of pairing your drink with your food here are some quick tips:<\/p>\n

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• If steak or grilled meat is on the menu, then find yourself an aromatic red to accompany your dish (a Merlot is usually a great choice).<\/li>\n
• Your tipple of choice for a fish dish would be something a little lighter so try a Pinot Noir or a ros\u00e9 sparkling wine.<\/li>\n
• If you\u2019re feeling really fancy, why not treat yourself to a dessert wine to enjoy at the end of the meal with your pudding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n