For anyone who enjoys cooking for others and hosting events, there is nothing more enjoyable than a dinner party. Bringing together the people you like most to indulge in delicious food, lively conversation, and tasty drinks is one of life’s greatest joys, and it doesn’t need to feel like a looming event that keeps you up at night.
While you may not need a reason to break out your favorite Henri Laurent Champagne, a spectacular dinner party with the important people in your life creates the perfect excuse to indulge in only the best.
Consider the Guest List
The guest list can make or break any dinner party. The people you choose to invite strongly influence the kind of party you host, the food you prepare, and the overall atmosphere of the evening. With close friends or family, you can keep the evening more casual, assembling dishes together or splitting up responsibilities.
Alternatively, when hosting in-laws for the first time or inviting work colleagues over, your event will likely be more formal, with classic dishes and a festive drink, like champagne, chilled and ready as a welcome drink.
Build a Menu
The menu you settle on will vary depending on your invited guest list and the overall theme of the night, but there are a few guidelines worth following regardless of what you choose to prepare and serve.
It is a good idea not to try to cook new dishes for a dinner party. Instead, select dishes that are simple and familiar to make. If needed, they can sit in the oven to stay warm without overcooking, or can be served room temperature or slightly cold without sacrificing on taste and quality.
While serving a variety of different dishes may feel impressive and showstopping, trying to keep up with each unique set of requirements for prepping, cooking, and serving can quickly become overwhelming and time-consuming. Instead, choose quality over quantity and serve a smaller number of dishes that you can prepare to perfection.
Finally, selecting the right drink options can be as important as the food itself. It is important to consider the needs of all your guests and selection options that will cover all your requirements. This typically involves selecting two or three varieties of wine, beer, and a small selection of spirits, including whiskey, brandy, or vodka, along with non-alcoholic options beyond plain water.
Prep is Key
The only way to avoid feeling stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed on the day is by properly prepping in the days leading up to your event. Draw up a checklist of everything that needs to be completed, planned out by day and time.
This list should include a complete shopping list and the necessary stores to visit, setting the table, cleaning and refreshing your hosting spaces, preparing ingredients and make-ahead dishes, and cooking times. By planning ahead and having a clear roadmap of your party, you will be able to navigate your hosting tasks without feeling like you don’t have enough time or capacity to handle everything.
Set the Table
When hosting a dinner party, the beautiful homewares you choose to use are as important as the food you serve on them. Between cutlery, crockery, glassware, and servers, everything should complement and work well with each other, to showcase your theme, set the mood, and make your guests feel extra special.
Depending on the overall theme you have selected, you need to decide whether you will use pieces that are colorful or more neutral. For more formal events, it is better to select matching crockery and serving platters for a sleek and cohesive finish. However, mixing shapes, tones, and textures that are coordinated but eclectic offers the ideal mix-and-match opportunity for added interest and effect.
Create an Atmosphere
A key element in setting the mood at your next dinner party is incorporating sensory elements to create a more interactive experience. These can include using dimmable pendant lights and lamps, avoiding harsh overhead lighting in the dining area, creating a background playlist that is neither distracting nor overpowering general conversation, and refreshing the nearest bathroom with fresh towels, a small floral arrangement, a delightful scented candle, and plenty of toilet paper.
Furthermore, items such as flowers, candlesticks, coasters, a centerpiece for the table, servers, and finger bowls are often overlooked additions that can enhance the overall atmosphere of the evening and showcase your thoughtfulness as a host. Regardless of the overall theme you want to achieve, ensure that everything works together and no single element overpowers the entire setup.
Lead the Evening
The best type of dinner party is a progressive one, which flows between a few rooms over the course of the evening. Guests will typically look to the host for cues about how the evening is set to unfold, so it is crucial to take the lead and let everyone know when it is time to make their move.
Depending on the size and configuration of your home, this may start with a cocktail in the lounge, garden, or kitchen while you make the finishing touches to the food and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and settled. Once dinner is served, everyone will move to the dining room. The meal can be finished off with coffee and dessert in a more informal environment, such as a lounge or outdoor seating area, but the dining room guarantees that everyone has a comfortable and designated place to relax and enjoy.