If your guests are driving , it is wise to supply soft drink or spring water for the designated driver. No matter what red or white meat you are serving, supply your guests with both red and white wine. Let your guests determine what they want to drink with what food. Traditionally it is true that certain wines complement certain styles of food. The trend today seems towards people drinking the wine they like with the food they like, and so they should.
Wine is to be enjoyed.
It does not mater how formal or informal your dinner party is, the most important thing to remember is your guests are there to enjoy your home, the food and most of all your company. The trick is to find simple dishes that are tasty and look great. Easier said than done you say. In today's supermarkets, there is an amazing array of food pre-cooked or simple to make. Recently I held a dinner party where all the food served came out of plastic or a packet, and my guests left content, surprised and in admiration of my cooking skills.