I’m on a personal mission to bring back hosting dinner parties. It doesn’t have to be difficult or fancy, and it certainly doesn’t have to be perfect. What’s important are the happy memories made and the joy shared among your family and friends.
Here are my top tips for hosting a dinner party!
Stay calm
Your guests just want to be comfortable, and they’re not going to be relaxed if you’re not relaxed. Prepare as much as you can in advance, and then accept that everything will not be perfect and things will go wrong — and that’s okay. I promise. It’s okay. Nobody cares. If they get upset that you forgot cocktail napkins, then they’re probably not your people anyway. So, just do your best. Then relax and enjoy, because at the end of the day, they MIGHT remember your décor, but they will ALWAYS remember how you made them feel.
Offer a welcome drink
Providing a welcome drink can really wow your guests and start everything on a happy note. It doesn’t have to be complex, either. Pop open a bottle of bubbles, and garnish with berries. Or get creative with a signature cocktail. I make sure to provide nonalcoholic alternatives, as well.
Make a good playlist (alongside those place settings)
No awkward silences here! Background music will always enhance a gathering, and it’s so easy to find a good playlist, no matter what the occasion. For our seafood boil, we played the top Billboard songs from all genres. For our pasta-making party, we played Italian music. For our pajama party, we played ’90s hits. And for the after party, well, that’s our business. There may or may not have been twerking involved. *giggle*
Keep it semi-homemade
You don’t have to make everything yourself, so don’t overthink it. Hosting a dinner party does NOT have to be complicated. Pick up a store-bought dessert, order a delicious side dish from a local restaurant, or get a grazing board from your favorite charcuterie specialist. Take the pressure off yourself, and focus on the parts you love the best. Here are some of my go-to easy entertaining recipes:
Consider the power of ice (ice, baby)
Never underestimate the power of a bougie ice cube. Not only can it jazz up a drink as a fun garnish, but it can also serve as an added decoration to your drink station. If you have a large container or chiller with wine bottles, water bottles, etc., add oversized ice cubes with flowers, herbs, or fruit inside.
My no. 1 tip: Just do it
Don’t wait until your home is perfect, you have all matching dishes, or whatever is stopping you. Plan the party. Set the date. Invite your friends. Don’t miss an opportunity to socialize and spend time with the ones you love.
READ: Can We Please Normalize Adult Pajama Parties?
Now, let’s have a party!
