When? What? Who?
Look at the calendar and pick a day to hold your dinner. Ask yourself WHAT kind of dinner you want to put on and for WHOM. Now make a list. The reason for making a list of what is ahead of you is so you won’t forget anything.
When I plan a dinner my thinking is scattered. I may start with what kind of dessert I want to try and then think about the salad. Whatever works for you. Write it down! Make sure you keep a card file so you an write the guests name, date, occasion (if any), menu, recipes with page number of the book you are using. So handy to have for all the right reasons.
The reason for keeping a card file is so you won’t make a mistake and serve your company the same meal over and over.