Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering of two or a grand soiree with dozens hosting a dinner party is one of the most fun things to do for friends and family. With some simple tips, it’s easy to be the hostess with the mostest without losing sight of why you invited everyone in the first place.
Plan the menu and buy ingredients ahead of time. Doing this will help you avoid frantic last-minute shopping and cooking and make it easier to get your dishes on the table.
Pick recipes that you have experience making or are confident you can master. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or a practice run if you’re considering trying something new. It’s also a good idea to choose recipes that have plenty of user reviews to help you weed out those that may taste off or require extra tweaking.
Decide how much food you’ll serve and what beverages to offer. Ideally, you’ll be able to purchase or order a variety of wines, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks in advance and store them in the fridge for the evening.
Set the table with fine plates, napkins and utensils one of your nicer table cloths and show-stopping centerpieces. Using these elements will help your guests feel special and elevate the ambiance of the party.
Be sure to include all the information on your invitation, such as the date, time and location of the event. In addition, you’ll want to ask if your guests have any dietary restrictions or allergies so you can make the necessary accommodations.
Encourage your guests to bring food or drink to share. This will help keep the costs of your dinner low and ensure that there’s enough for everyone to enjoy.
As guests arrive, greet them with a glass of wine or a light appetizer. This is a great way to start the conversation and ease any nerves. It’s also a good opportunity to ask your guests to share their favorite dinner party tip with the group!
It’s helpful to have a powerful small speaker or your laptop ready so that you can play a playlist of upbeat and fun music. The right music can make the difference between an awkward silence and lively chatter, so make sure you put together a party playlist that suits your mood or the theme of the night.
Take the stress out of hosting a dinner party with catering. Choose a reputable caterer who can handle the menu, food preparation and service. Coordinate with them to ensure dietary restrictions are met. Focus on creating a warm ambiance and enjoy the event while the professionals handle the culinary details.