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Dinner parties are such a fun way to get everyone together. Never hosted one? Here’s how to host your first dinner party!
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Did Someone Say Dinner Party!?
Hosting a dinner party is one of our favorite ways to bring friends and family together! Especially when it comes to the holidays, you can’t beat getting together over delicious food.
What if it’s the first dinner party you’ve hosted? We’ve all been there, it can feel overwhelming! You have to think of the guest list, a theme (optional, but fun!), and of course, the menu! Will you have appetizers? What will the main dish be? You will also need some side dishes and drinks! Of course, you can’t forget the dessert.. that’s one of the BEST parts!
Don’t worry; we’ll go through the steps to help you be successful in hosting your first dinner party.
Why We Love Hosting Dinner Parties:
- Get together. Hosting dinner parties is a great way to hang out with your favorite people and make some new friends.
- The joy of cooking. If you love to cook, dinner parties are your chance to shine. Whip up something delicious and impress your guests.
- Celebrate. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a random Tuesday, dinner parties are a great way to celebrate life’s little moments. It’s a chance to have fun, eat good food, and make memories.
Steps to Host Your First Dinner Party
- CHOOSE DATE AND TIME. Choose a date and time that works for you and check with a few of the guests to make sure it works for them too.
- CREATE THE GUEST LIST. Make a list of everyone you’d like to attend your party. Think of people whose company you enjoy and who get along well with others coming, whether you want close friends or colleagues! Don’t forget to consider your space and how many people you can comfortably accommodate.
- PICK A THEME (OPTIONAL). Remember this step is completely optional, but it could make planning a bit easier. It could be as simple as a holiday theme or more specific if you want!
- PLAN THE MENU. Planning your menu is a big step for your dinner party! Be sure to consider your guests preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions. Take into account any vegan, gluten-free, or other specific needs so everyone can enjoy the meal!
- SEND INVITATIONS. Next, invite your guests however you prefer—text, evite, or physical invitation. Be sure to set an RSVP date so you can get an accurate headcount.
- CREATE A TIMELINE. We recommend making a plan and mapping out when you’ll cook each dish, how long they take, and what needs to be done before guests arrive.
- PREP. Do as much as you can ahead of time so you can enjoy your party too! Prepare for your dinner party by going to the grocery store, cleaning, making a playlist to set the mood, gathering decorations, chopping veggies, setting the dinner table, and chilling drinks. If possible, cook some dishes the day before.
- SERVE. Decide whether to serve buffet style (guests serve themselves), family style (dishes are passed around the table), or plated (each dish is served individually). Choose what works best for your space and atmosphere!
- ENJOY AND GIVE THANKS. Time to enjoy your party! Don’t forget to send a thank you message the next day to show your guests your appreciation for their attendance.
Dinner Party Tips
- Lighting – Dim the overhead lights and use lamps or candles for softer lighting. Play some soft music to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Centerpiece – Grab a decorative bowl, some candles, or fresh flowers for your table to give it a little extra flair.
- Room temperature – Make sure the room temperature is just right for your guests. You want everyone to feel comfortable while enjoying their meal!
- Keep the dishwasher empty – Start with an empty dishwasher so you can load it up as you go or right after the party— this saves you from a pile of dishes in the sink and makes cleanup a breeze!
Building Your Menu
Appetizers
Choose simple, easy-to-prep appetizers! Salads, Cheese and Crackers or Veggie Trays are some of our favorites because you can easily prepare your ingredients ahead of time. You can also consider a crock pot appetizer, like Buffalo Chicken Dip or Meatballs so you can dump and go!
Main Course
Go with a familiar recipe that you’re comfortable with for your first Dinner party. We’ve got tons of main dish recipes to choose from here!
Side Dishes
You don’t have to go crazy with the sides, believe it or not! Choose 2 dishes or so that compliment your main course.
Drinks
We recommend offering a variety of drinks for your guests. If you’re offering a cocktail option, be sure to include a non-alcoholic choice for guests who prefer it. Have water available too, of course!
Dessert
There’s always room for a sweet treat! Choose a dessert that you can make ahead of time to make your life easier.
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Kitchen Tips
Dinner Menu Ideas
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FAQs
Most dinner parties last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of courses and the flow of conversation. Just let the evening unfold naturally!
Absolutely! It’s perfectly fine to ask guests to bring a drink, dessert, or a side dish. Just make sure to communicate this clearly when sending out invitations.
You can prepare some light conversation starters or fun games to play after dinner. Having a mix of activities can keep the mood lively!
