Host the Best Dinner Party in 7 Easy Steps

Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right preparation and planning, you can impress you guests while actually enjoying the evening yourself (crazy right?). Of course, not all of these steps are relevant, depending on the size of your event. Whether it be a few friends or a full-blown event, this is the only step-by-step hosting guide you will ever need.

Step 1: Plan Your Guest List & Invites

• Decide how many guests you can comfortably host for your dinner party
  • Take note of the amount of chairs, couches and table space you have.
• Consider the mix of personalities
  • Look, we love your Uncle Darren who can’t stop bringing up politics, or your friend Samantha who love showing people pictures of her elderly cat, but let’s be for real: not every event is for everybody. No shade to anyone named Darren or Samantha. When it comes to a successful dinner party, a good mix of personalities makes for lively conversation.
• Send invites at least 2-3 weeks in advance
  • This is optional, depending on the size of your event; sometimes, a text is good enough in my opinion.
• Ask about allergies/dietary restrictions
  • This is super important! No one wants a death at a dinner party (unless it’s a Murder Mystery theme). You may not get sued by your friends and family, but a hospital visit isn’t fun for anyone. Make sure you’re aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions, and provide options so everyone will have something to eat.

Step 2: Choose a Theme and Menu

• Pick a theme
  • Again, this is optional depending on the nature/size of your event, but the key here is for everything to be cohesive.

• Plan a balanced menu
  • The typical layout is an appetize, entrée, a variety of side dishes, and dessert.

• Select recipes that allow some make-ahead prep
  • The key to reducing stress is PLANNING AHEAD. Try to choose recipes where you can get certain portions out of the way in advance.

Step 3: Prep Your Space

• Clean up
  • Easy right? Pay particular attention to the kitchen, dining space, and any restrooms your guests will be using. I wouldn’t bother with the bedroom or personal bathroom, unless you plan on showing these areas.
• Arrange seating
  • make sure everyone can talk comfortably.
• Set the vibes
  • The key to a successful dinner party is ambience (well, except for the actual food). Use lighting, music and décor to create your chosen atmosphere.

Step 4: Set the Vibes

• Dinnerware
  • Make sure your plates, glasses and utensils match with your theme.
• Decoration
  • This doesn’t have to be complicated! Candles, flowers or simple table settings can really elevate a space.
• Set up the night before
  • Set up anything and everything you can the night before, you’ll thank yourself for it the next day.

Step 5: Cook (or Order, we don’t judge here) & Finalize Details

• Double-check supplies
  • Make sure you have enough utensils, napkins, ice, etc. and DO THIS EARLY. That way, you can make a quick trip to the store before guests arrive.
• Have appetizers ready
  • In the event that your schedule is delayed (because, life) and you’re running behind on cooking, make sure to have some appetizers ready.

Step 6: Welcome Guests and Enjoy the Party

• Greet Guests as They Arrive
  • Offer guests beverages and introduce them to people they may not already know.
• Keep Conversation Flowing
  • Engage with everyone and make sure they feel included. Periods of silence are normal, don’t worry!
• Serve courses at a steady pace
  • A good rule of thumb is to check if about 50-75% of guests have already finished the course in front of them, then you can bring out the next one.
• Accept help
  • As much as you want to do everything yourself to ensure a good experience, let your guests help if they offer! This will take some pressure off you and makes the guests feel included.

Step 7: End on a High Note

• Offer coffee, tea or dessert
  • Who doesn’t love dessert? Offering a post-dinner beverage or dessert is a great way to end the night.

• Say thank you
  • Be sure to let your guests know how much you enjoyed their company.

Bonus Tips

• Keep it simple – You don’t need an elaborate setup to impress.
• Create a timeline – Plan when to start cooking and serving.
• Have a backup plan – Sometimes, life be lifeing, be ready for those last-minute hiccups.
• Enjoy yourself – A relaxed host is a better host!

And that’s it, you made it! Now you know everything there is to know about hosting a dinner party, how did you get so smart? I hope this step-by-step guide helped understand what to expect. Happy Dining!