When choosing a menu, think about dishes and courses that will work together and taste good together, as well as what’s in season. Also think about how much food you are making. I find that most people will make way too much food for the number of guests at the table. If you are making a soup, you don’t need to serve a lot of it as a first course, since there are more courses to follow.
You might also think about what is easy to make ahead so that you will have more time with your family and friends at the table.