For a long time, whenever I heard the phrase, “Dinner Party” my mind would immediately think of some super elegant gathering, complete with awkward small talk and the host being riddled with unnecessary stress over getting every detail right.
I love the idea of gathering my favorite people together for a few hours, sharing a delicious meal, and maybe even breaking out a few party games. On the other hand, the planning and prep work can feel a bit daunting at times :/
What got me past all of that? My acceptance that I simply over think everything.
A dinner party can in fact be as relaxed and carefree as you want it to be…planning, prep, and clean up included. With just a bit of organization and creative thinking, you can pull off the perfect dinner party without ever breaking a sweat!
From easy menu ideas that’ll have your guests begging for seconds, to fun activities that will keep everyone entertained, I will show you the steps I take to host a fun gathering everyone talks about long after it ends.
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Organization Is Key To Stress Free Planning
When it comes to planning a dinner party and organizing it so it is stress free, there is a planning process I typically follow. The first thing I do is start by outlining my overall vision for the event. That includes the vibe I want to create, the menu I want to serve, the guest list, the timeline, the whole thing. Having a clear road map from the beginning makes the entire process so much smoother.
I then, make a basic to-do list. I break it down into manageable chunks, like finalizing the guest list by a certain date, taking care of any rentals by a certain date, meal prep day, etc. Doing it like that, helps to tackle the planning step-by-step without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Do You Want To Have A Dinner Party?
Naturally, the first thing that you want to decide on is the reason for having a dinner party. Having a clear purpose or theme in mind is key to pulling off a truly memorable dinner party. It’s the foundation that everything else will be built upon, from the menu, to the decor, to the activities you’ve got planned.
Are you celebrating a special occasion, like an anniversary or a birthday? Maybe you just want to gather your favorite people for a good old-fashioned Let’s eat, drink, and be merry kind of night. Perhaps you want to do something different for a change, like enjoy a murder mystery party or a travel-inspired feast.
The important thing is to get crystal clear on the vibe you’re going for, before anything. From there, every decision you make from the playlist to the centerpieces, will feel cohesive and intentional.
The Guest List And Invites
Once you’ve gotten your purpose and theme all figured out, it’s time to start tackling the guest list. Are you thinking more along the lines of a bigger group of your hang out crowd? Or maybe a more intimate gathering of your absolute favorite people?
Personally, I like to keep my dinner parties on the smaller side. I want to actually enjoy quality time with my guests instead of feeling like I’m running around like a chicken without it’s head! If you’re more for staying active throughout the party, then a larger gathering with more mingling may be your cup of tea.
When it comes to the invites, that of course depends on the above factors. If I’m having a smaller casual gathering of 4-6 people, I tend to go the easy route with a quick text, email, or other messaging. For larger groups, I might send a more formal invite through mail or email.
In all cases, if the dinner party is to be a formal occasion or a themed gathering, I might send an invite with clever wording or custom graphics. Invites are one of the things about the event that you can be really creative with – have fun with it!
Easy Menu Ideas
The food being served, tends to be a major star of the show when it comes to any dinner party. The key is to focus on easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that pack a punch in the flavor department. Think simple, yet sophisticated. Effortless, yet elevated. And most importantly, something that won’t have you slaving away in the kitchen all day long!
One of my go-to moves is to build a menu around a signature crostini board or bar. You can get as creative as you want with the toppings – from classic bruschetta to fancy prosciutto and fig. The possibilities are endless, and your guests will love getting to customize their own little bites.
Maybe you’re feeling more of a sit down, family style dinner. In those cases, I’m a huge fan of dishes that can be prepped ahead of time, like a hearty pasta bake or a yummy roasted chicken.
Start with simple appetizers like Caprese skewers or one of my personal favorites…bacon wrapped scallops! From there, move on to your main course, followed by dessert you’ve already prepped. Good examples would be trifles, no-bake cheesecakes or even an apple crisp or cobbler.
It doesn’t matter which route you take with regards to the menu. With just a little creative thought, there is a menu you can put together that is simple, manageable, and delicious.
What Kind Of Drinks To Serve
When it comes to stocking the “bar” for your dinner party, there’s only a few rules of thumb to keep in mind.
Having a signature cocktail is always a great idea for any dinner party. This is your chance to get creative and really set the tone for the evening. Think about flavors that complement your menu or maybe even your party’s theme. Maybe it’s a refreshing margarita or a fruity sangria that makes the most sense. Whatever you choose, you want to make sure it’s something you can batch out ahead of time, so you’re not playing bartender all night long!
For the rest of my bar selection, I like to keep it fairly simple and streamlined. A few key spirits (like vodka, gin, whiskey, etc.), a couple types of wine, and maybe a fun mocktail option for those non-drinker friends.
Psst…don’t forget to have a few basic mixers, garnishes, and other finishing ingredients that accompany more popular drinks. Lime and lemon wedges, olives, club soda, simple syrup, etc. are a few ingredients you will want to have handy.
At the end of the day, the key is to have a variety of drink options without going crazy with it. You want your bar selection to feel thoughtful and intentional, but not overboard.
Games, Activities, & Conversation Starters
Planning for the right kinds of activities can make a big difference when it comes to keeping the conversation flowing and everyone entertained.
One fun idea to get the conversation started, is a casual questionnaire where everyone gets to share a little tidbit about themselves. A themed trivia game might be something your guests will get into. For example, you can tailor the questions to match the vibe of your party, like food and wine!
Classic board games and card games are always good options for a fun gathering as well. Some popular classics are Cards Again Humanity, Ticket To Ride, or Betrayal At House On The Hill for mystery game fans.
The aim is to keep your guests entertained in a way that allows for plenty of organic conversation. You don’t want the activities to feel forced or take over the entire evening. Think of them more as a way to help everyone loosen up and have a blast.
Setting The Mood With Music Playlists
Of course, music is a must have for any gathering. It has the power to completely transform the vibe and energy of a space. Having the right playlist can make all the difference!
When creating a playlist, you will want to create one that complements the overall tone of your dinner party. Is it a cozy, intimate gathering with close friends? Then maybe something a little more mellow would be the way to go – think jazz, acoustic tunes, or any other laid back type of music.
Perhaps you want to take your guests on a trip down memory lane with a soundtrack that gets everyone feeling nostalgic. Check out this one here.
For a more vibrant and lively mood, you might want to lean more towards upbeat, dance worthy tunes. Here is a dance party mix that is perfect for that.
At the end of the day, the music you choose should reflect your personal style and the vibe you’re hoping to create for your party.
Personally, I love to mix it up and keep my friends guessing, so I tend to throw random goodies into any playlist. It keeps them on their toes 😉
Decorating…Less Can Be More!
I am not at all someone who goes crazy with decorating, and it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s those little touches that make the biggest impacts.
For example, an elegant linen or runner on your dining table for a sit down style dinner party, can add that sophistication you’re looking for. Other small accents, like candlesticks, fresh flowers, place cards, and nicer place settings will also add elegance without making the overall ambiance feel too formal or stuffy.
For more casual dinner parties, using a variety of lighting is a nice subtle way of decorating. Votives, light dimmers and string lights are all alternatives to harsh overhead lighting. They also create a laid back atmosphere at the same time.
Mismatched or artsy dishes and glasses give a more eclectic, relaxed feel. They can also be great conversation starters. Potted plants and thoughtfully placed throw pillows among chairs and couches, are also nice casual options for dinner party decorating.
The point is to create a space that feels warm, inviting, and reflective of your personal style without driving yourself crazy trying to be perfect.
Hosting An Outdoor Dinner Party
I love outdoor dining when the weather allows for it. The fresh air, open space, and sounds of nature in the background makes for a nice, relaxing atmosphere.
If you’ve got a patio or deck, I say make use of it as much as you can! There are a few minor challenges with outdoor dinner parties, but nothing that can’t be eliminated with just a little planning.
For starters, if you want to have an evening gathering outdoors, lighting is something to think about. In those cases, string lights, tea lights or lanterns around the space, are effortless ways of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Of course, having a great music playlist on your device and a portable bluetooth speaker, will take care of the audio vibes.
When it comes to the food, you’ll want to keep things light, fresh, and easy to eat. Finger foods like crostini or bruschetta make for the perfect starter. A main course of grilled proteins, seasonal veggie or pasta dish will be a nice main course. And don’t forget about dessert! Something portable and shareable like fruit skewers or mini tarts, is always a crowd-pleaser.
Having a cozy lounge area with pillows, throws, and a few plants, is really the only final touch to a relaxing outdoor setting. Leave the rest to mother nature!
Thanking Your Guests
It goes without saying, you always want to remember to give your guests a heartfelt thank you for their awesome company.
You know best how to end the evening with closer friends, whether it be with a hug and “Thanks for coming”, or “I’m glad we finally got together”. Those are also the relationships you likely follow up with on a later phone call or other way of reaching out.
For more formal dinner parties, you might want to go a little further. After you’ve thanked your guests at the end of the night, it isn’t uncommon to send out a personal thank you note. You may send a digital thank you of sorts or perhaps you want to send out a handwritten note. Sending such a note out within a week or so after the party, is a thoughtful touch to the end of a nice gathering.
Have A Plan “B”
Having a backup plan is always a good idea! You never know when mother nature decides to act differently than planned or your playlist doesn’t download properly. Knowing you’ve got a Plan B for certain details, will help keep the planning at a minimal stress level.
Final Thoughts
The goal is to enjoy your guests, so when they bid you farewell, you can relax, knowing they felt valued, entertained, and completely at home in your space. All that’s left to do now, is start planning your next dinner party!
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