I love to have dinner parties. Picking a theme and getting all of the details planned out is something I find to be fun. But, I know for a lot of people throwing a party can be stressful. So, I thought putting together my tips on how to host a dinner party would be helpful.
To start, decide on the type of party you want to host: Will it be a formal sit down dinner or a casual buffet? Obviously having a buffet style dinner is easier and especially if you are new to hosting or find it overwhelming. Make this decision first because it will help you in the rest of your planning.
Create a Guest List: Decide on the number of guests you can comfortably accommodate. Remember it is not just about how much space you have at the table, but your ability to cook and entertain the group. If you are having a sit down dinner, smaller is easier to handle. You want to have a good time at your own party, so really think about ways to make it easier for yourself.
Set a Date and Time and ask for an RSVP: Choose a date and time that works best for you. When you ask for an RSVP, try to get it at least two weeks before your party. This makes the rest of your planning a lot less stressful. Having a proper headcount before is important so you know how much food to buy.
Choose your Theme: Any time I am entertaining I always choose a theme. This makes it easier to not only plan your menu, but helps to think of what appetizers you may serve, what cocktails you want to have, and what you may want for a dessert. A theme can also help when it comes to your table setting. A theme can be anything from a Mexican or Asian theme, to a fall dinner party or a soup night. The options really are endless.
Plan your Menu: Choose dishes around your theme that can be put together in advance. Some may even be able to be cooked and then kept warm. This allows you to have more time to spend with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Don’t forget to ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions so that you can accommodate them. I love to have a welcome cocktail that goes with the theme and is a great way to start the evening when your guests arrive.
Send Invitations: You can use Canva to design a beautiful invitation that you can then email, text or get printed and mailed if you are hosting a more formal event.
Design a Menu: I like to make a menu with what is being served, along with a description, and Canva has so many menu templates that you can change with your menu. This allows all of your guests a chance to see what they will be eating and what ingredients are in them, just in case they don’t like something or forget to tell you about a dietary restriction. Plus, it looks nice to have one in a frame at your bar area or you can even have smaller ones printed to have at each place setting. I like to do this for more formal dinners and for my big holiday meals.
Prepare your Space: Clean and arrange your space to accommodate your guests. If you have a smaller dining table you can consider renting a table and chairs from a local event place. They even have lots of chargers, plates, glasses, tablecloths, they have it all.
Set your Table: A well set table sets the mood for your dinner party. This is one of my absolute favorite things to do before a dinner party or any holiday. I have spent years collecting different patterns of plates and get them when I find them on clearance at home stores. Invest in a set of white dinnerware and neutral cloth napkins to use for any place setting and big box stores typically sell wine glasses in larger quantities. I love to use real glass wine glasses and cocktail glasses and have nice plastic ones to use by the pool for our outdoor parties.
Cook and Prepare: Prepare as much as you can in advance. On the day of the party, start cooking early so you have time to get ready and relax with a glass of wine before your guests arrive. You can keep your food warming in a 250 degree oven.
My braised short ribs are a great make ahead meal that is perfect to serve at your dinner party. They can be made the day ahead and reheated the day of your dinner party. I happen to think they are even better being cooked the day before. Serve with mashed potatoes and some roasted carrots, both can be made ahead of time and keep warm.
Be a Gracious Host: Welcome your guests, offer a welcome cocktail, introduce anyone that does not know the rest of the guests. Remember, you want everyone to have a great time and feel comfortable.
Enjoy the Party: HAVE FUN! It is your party!
From my kitchen to yours!
xo, Kristin
