Hosting a dinner party can be super exciting but also crazy stressful (at least for me).
What should I serve? What’s the vibe of the occasion? Who should sit where? What’s on the menu?
So many questions to consider and preparations to complete can make your head spin, but being properly prepared and keeping some things simple while focusing on other more important details can mean the difference from an ok get together to an amazing event!
I share 50+ tips for hosting a successful dinner party that take into account food, drinks, preparations, ambiance and more to create the perfect event for you and your guests.
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Planning & Set Up
1. Plan In Advance
Plan the menu, guest list and theme well ahead of time. Trying to iron out all the important details at the last minute will not only stress you out but may inhibit your creativity!
2. Consider Dietary Restrictions
Check with guests for any dietary restrictions, allergies or religious food limitations to ensure every guest can enjoy their meal and not feel left out from the eating fun.
For guests attending with kids, consider a kids menu that is easy to make and will keep the kids happy.
3. Create a Timeline
Prepare a schedule for cooking, cleaning and setting up to stay organized on on time. You do not want to be running around doing things at the last minute when the doorbell rings and guests start arriving. Start early and budget some time for unexpected snags and complications, which are bound to happen when you least want them to.
4. Ponder Your Guest List
Ensure that your guest list includes all the people you want to invite and takes into consideration any conflicts or issues between your guests that could create issues at your party.
5. Seating Arrangement
Think about having an assigned seating arrangement to encourage discussion or make your guests feel comfortable; conflicts between any of the guests should be taken into consideration at this stage as well.
Also consider whether you need to incorporate a spot for a high chair or booster seats when children are attending. Be sure to choose a seat for yourself or whoever is in charge of food or drinks so they can get to the kitchen easily without tripping over your guests to get there!
If you prefer to live dangerously or your guests are all close family, let them sit wherever they like!
6. Stock Up On Supplies
Ensure you have enough plates, silverware, serving utensils, glassware and serving dishes for all of your courses.
7. Consider The Drink Menu
List all the beverages – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – you will need for your attendees, including any kids or teens and stock up the week of the party. For mixed drinks, I like to fill a large Zip Loc bag with ice cubes the week of the party to ensure I have enough ice for everyone in advance.
If you need sliced lemons, limes or oranges, be sure to clean and slice those in advance and store them in the fridge.
Tip: Want to stand out? Consider creating a signature drink to match the theme of the party.
8. Keep The Menu Simple
Focus on a few well-executed dishes rather than an elaborate spread. Creating too many side dishes or courses will not only make things more stressful in the kitchen but will over-stuff your guests and lead to excess clean up.
9. Designate A Bar Area Or Bar Cart
Set up a space specifically for drinks with glasses, ice and mixers. To keep more space in the refrigerator for food, you can also set up a cooler with ice to keep pops, juices and bottles cooled without taking up valuable fridge space. This space also allows people to serve themselves if you’re busy in the kitchen.
If you have a bar cart, dress it up for the occasion! Display some beautiful bottles and glasses on it and add some decorative touches to reflect the theme of the event or the season.
10. Stain Prevention & Removal
Accidents happen, so stock up on your favourite stain remover to deal with unexpected spills and messes (my favourite stain remover is Resolve!). You can also Scotchgard your fabric chairs and couches to prevent staining in advance.
11. Prepare The Coat Closet
Provide a designated area for guests to hang coats or belongings. Make room in advance in your closet to accommodate your guests’ things and add extra hangers. These felt-coated hangers are my favourite because they help to stop coats from slipping off them. Make room for shoes and boots at the entrance too!
12. Check The Weather
Check the weather forecast for the day of the party so you are ready for rain, heat or snow and can prepare in advance to help your guests into your place and keep them comfortable.
13. Buffet or Served?
Consider whether you want to plate serve your meals or have a buffet where everyone can serve themselves. There are pros and cons to both depending on the food you plan to serve and how many guests you are entertaining, so choose what works best for you.
14. Offer Menu Variety
Ensure there’s a mix of flavors and textures for a well-rounded meal and combine filling foods with lighter meal options to satisfy everyone. A great menu also incorporates foods that you know your guests will truly enjoy and appreciate.
15. Clean Glasses, Dishes & Silverware
When setting the table, ensure your glasses, dishes and silverware are wiped clean to remove any dust or spots that have settled since you last used them. This is also an opportunity to catch any items that weren’t properly cleaned after you last used them.
16. Decant The Wine
Some wine has to breath to bring out its full flavours; open and decant the wine you plan to serve into a decanter for it to breathe properly for an hour before serving.
17. Clean & Declutter
The most unexciting but necessary prep for the dinner party – clean your home and ensure any items that you don’t need are put away to declutter. Keep your countertops clear so you have room to prep and plate food.
18. Be Realistic
It’s fun to plan the biggest, most perfect party, but reality is often very different and full of surprises. Be sure to make reasonable plans that you know you can achieve instead of trying to do too many things at once. Stick with what you know and try one or two new things at a time if you want to challenge yourself.
Decor & Ambiance
1. Set The Atmosphere
Consider music, lighting and decor to create the right ambiance for the guests you are inviting. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Is it an adult only party, or do you have to child-proof your home for small kids that are attending?
- What music should you choose to match the vibe you want to put out?
- Bright lighting, dimmed lighting or candlelight?
- What decor touches do you want to add or remove to decorate your hosting space?
All these factors contribute to the mood and feel of your event.
Tip: Create a custom Spotify playlist to ensure you play the perfect music for the occasion.
2. Create A Welcoming Entrance
Greet guests with a warm welcome, their drink of choice and some food to keep them happy until the dinner starts. Also try to get yourself out of the kitchen to greet your guests as they arrive.
3. Plan The Table Setting
Set a beautiful table with appropriate tableware and decorations. Consider adding greenery or flowers as a table centre or some candles for a more intimate, cozy feel, or consider battery-operated candles as a safer option when you have kids at the table!
Seating cards or personalized gifts at each place setting also add an extra personal touch.
4. Entertain The Kids
If you have kids attending, consider setting up a table where they can colour or work on crafts to keep them occupied while the adults enjoy themselves. This spot needs to be in a place where the adults can supervise and hopefully not near anything that can get dirty in the process.
Putting out games or playing a movie that can keep the kids entertained can also help to keep them busy.
5. Decorate For The Season/Party Theme
Incorporate seasonal decor into your home decor and table setting. I have some Easter, fall decor and Christmas decor ideas you can consider! If you have a specific party theme, add some themed decor touches to your entertaining space.
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6. Bring Out Coasters
If you think your guests will be roaming around your pad, place coasters on coffee tables and side tables for them to place their drinks to avoid water stains on your furniture. Etsy has gorgeous wood, stone and resin coasters for you to choose from!
7. Prepare A Toast
Before digging into the meal, prepare a short toast to thank your guests for attending and to share your wishes for the party.
8. Establish An Entertaining Area
Set up an area for your guests to meet to eat and drink outside of the kitchen (if possible) so you have room to prepare the meal.
9. Add Some Fragrance
The smell of your home adds to the mood of your event. Some scented candles or artificial fragrances can be super strong and can irritate any scent-sensitive guests, so consider a more natural fragrance, such as a seasonal simmer pot that uses herbs, fruits & other natural items to scent your home.
Food Prep & Cooking
1. Prepare Make-Ahead Dishes & Appetizers
Opt for recipes that can be prepared in advance to reduce last-minute stress, such as a casserole or lasagna. A fabulous dish that can be made days before the event and then thrown into the oven before the meal starts will remove one dish from your menu that requires prepping and will leave you free to do other things.
Pre-made hors d’oeuvres or appetizers – like a stunning charcuterie board – also make food prep much faster and less stressful.
2. Practice The Menu
If trying new recipes, practice them beforehand to ensure they turn out well. There’s nothing more frustrating then working on a dish that doesn’t wow on the big day, or over/under cooking something and feeling frustrated with the result.
3. Use A Timer
Roasting a turkey? Heating up a casserole? Use a timer to ensure nothing gets forgotten in the oven while you are talking to your guests to avoid burnt or overcooked food.
4. Keep Food Warm
Use chafing dishes or warmers to maintain the temperature of hot dishes, especially if you have guests that are running late.
5. Label Dishes
Label food items, especially if they contain allergens or specific ingredients that won’t work for everyone, such as spicy foods.
6. Be Mindful of Time
Keep an eye on the time to ensure the evening progresses smoothly and you get through the meal and other events you had planned before it gets too late and guests need to head home.
7. Serve With Style
Serve dishes with elegance and flair to make the experience memorable. Details like themed dishes are vintage glassware can set the stage for a beautiful meal.
During The Party
1. Be a Gracious Host
Greet guests warmly and ensure everyone feels welcome.
2. Delegate Tasks
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with serving, clearing, or refilling drinks.
3. Engage Everyone
Encourage mingling by introducing guests and initiating conversations for guests who don’t know each other.
4. Be Attentive
Check on guests periodically to see if they need anything and don’t lock yourself in the kitchen (like I do) cleaning up the whole time.
5. Control The Flow
5. Control The FlowServe food in courses to keep the meal organized and enjoyable.
6. Have Conversation Starters
Prepare interesting topics to keep conversations lively.
7. Plating Presentation
If plating your courses, pay attention to how the food is plated for an appealing presentation.
8. Top Up The Drinks
Ensure your guests have a full glass of wine or other beverage throughout the meal.
9. Add Seasonings To The Table
Add grated cheese, salt & pepper, oils or dips to the table in preparation for the meal as needed.
10. Serve A Warm Drink With Dessert
Plan your dessert timing so you can pair it with tea or coffee served at the same time. Warm drinks and dessert are meant to be served together!
11. Look Great, But Dress Comfy
As the host, you need to look your best but also be ready to get a bit dirty. Wear something comfortable while you host and don’t forget to have an apron ready if you are prepping or serving food.
After the Party
1. Thank Your Guests
Send thank-you notes or messages to your guests for attending. A small gift or party favour on their table setting would also make a thoughtful thank you.
2. Clean Up Efficiently
Start cleaning as soon as possible to avoid a huge mess the next day. If you have a butler’s pantry or area separate to the kitchen, consider using that space to remove excess items from the kitchen that can be cleaned until later to declutter during the party.
3. Deal With The Leftovers
Properly store any leftover food in airtight containers to eat later or give your guests takeaway trays of the leftovers.
4. Enjoy Yourself!
One thing I struggle with is being too anxious during a dinner party to really enjoy myself. Remember that not everything will go to plan and that’s ok! Take time to speak with your guests, enjoy the food & drink and to laugh a little in between hosting duties.
5. Use The Dishwasher
Don’t be a hero! If you have a dishwasher, use it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in the clean up as well; appreciative guests will want to help you and in turn, you can help them if they have you over for an event.
6. Reflect & Learn
Reflect on the evening to learn what worked well and what could be improved for next time and incorporate those tips into the planning and execution of your next party.
Remember, the key to a successful dinner party is creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, paying attention to detail, and enjoying the company of your guests.
