There may not be an invitation more intimate than dinner at a friend's home. Translating that intimacy to a large restaurant can be a challenge. But with more and more private rooms popping up, an intimate dinner at a restaurant can be quite enjoyable.

The destination for an intimate dinner can also be creative. A picturesque winery would be a spectacular setting for an intimate dinner, as would a terrace overlooking the ocean or a handsome farm.

An intimate dinner can be formal or informal depending on the occasion. Three to five courses are traditionally on the menu, and wine is frequently paired with each course. The planner should adhere to a formal table setting unless otherwise directed by the host. Servers hired for the event should be well versed in the etiquette of fine dining, even if the client is not. There is bound to be someone at the table who will appreciate proper service. Intimate dinners tend to have less than thirty guests.

A beautifully set table can also be the measure of an intimate dinner. Add soft lighting, quiet music, and lots of candles to add to the ambiance.

Two popular opportunities may present themselves to an event planner to plan an intimate dinner. As the event manager at a catering company, a client will hire you to cater a dinner at an off-site location. Catering event managers are also referred to as event planners. The second opportunity is as a private events coordinator at a restaurant. Hotels also have private rooms small enough to hold an intimate dinner, which would be catered by the hotel's restaurant.