11 Tips for Hosting an Easy Dinner Party at Home
We had a few friends over last week for dinner out at the farm, and a few days before that, we hosted family at our house in town, which makes two dinner parties in one week.
Over the years, we’ve hosted many dinner parties with friends and family, and along the way, we’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t, what needs our attention and what we can leave out to make for an easy, effortless night (or at least, it’ll look effortless to your guests).
I started jotting down the things we always do for dinner parties that have become second nature to us now, and as I was typing them out, I realized they all add up to make the night run so much smoother for your guests, and for you too. These are things that are easy to do and keep the night light and fun, so if you have jitters about hosting a small or even large gathering, these tips are for you.
And remember, we’re not going for perfection, because that’s boring and no one is perfect. At the end of the day, it’s not about cooking the best food or having the most expensive bottle of wine, or even having the cleanest house. Dinner parties are really about getting a group of people together who may or may not already know each other, and spending a few hours sharing food and drinks and stories with those you love. That’s it. That’s what it’s all about.
Okay, here are some tips to help throw one hell of a dinner party:
Don’t overthink it. It really is as simple as cooking for, and hanging out with, your guests for a few hours. Everything else is optional. Choose what you’re going to make or order in, do it the best you can, and everything else is just a bonus.
Keep the dinner and the table setting simple. No one is asking or even wanting you to go all out for this, so pick a main dish (pasta is always my favorite thing to do at dinner parties because it’s the most affordable and goes such a long way), a side or vegetable, and a dessert, and you’re good to go. For example, last weekend I made spaghetti and meatballs, a simple salad, a French baguette, and an easy dessert. Sometimes the simplest things are the best things. For the table setting, just plates, cups, silverware, and (cloth!) napkins are good, along with a few candles in the middle for ambiance. Which brings me to…
Lighting matters more than you think. Turn off overhead lights and turn on every lamp in the room. Light some candles for the table, and have a scented one going in the room where guests enter (but not in the kitchen area; you don’t want a fragrance mixing with the smell of the food cooking). Dim everything and set the mood. It’ll create the coziest, warmest vibe.
Always have a playlist going in the background. There’s nothing worse than a bunch of people in a room talking and then everything gets quiet and awkward and everyone just looks around. That doesn’t happen if there is music playing in the background. Our favorite playlist to listen to while hosting is “Hipster Cocktail Party Radio.” Think an eclectic, moody mix of modern soul, indie folk, blues, and classic rock songs from artists like Fleetwood Mac, Hozier, Ray LaMontagne, and Alabama Shakes.
Do one thing really well. The whole night doesn’t have to be one impressive thing after another, just focus on one. Maybe that’s a killer roast chicken or a perfect pasta or a signature cocktail, or even just a really good welcome hug. Let that be the star and let everything else play backup vocals.
Have a signature walk-in drink. It doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. A big pitcher of something, a chilled bottle already open, or even if you know one of your friend’s favorite wine who is coming. Handing someone a drink within 60 seconds of arrival helps them feel instantly taken care of says you’re expected and you’re welcome here.
Prep what you can the day before. This means chop the veggies, make the dessert, set out serving dishes, pick up a little around the house. Future you will be so grateful, and present you gets to actually enjoy the party instead of disappearing into the kitchen every seven minutes.
Let the house feel lived in. Because someone actually lives there! Kids’ backpacks in the corner or a throw blanket tossed over the arm of the couch is absolutely fine. It doesn’t have to look perfect in there, because everyone coming just wants to see YOU. A home that feels slightly mid-life is more welcoming than one that feels staged for a party. You live there, life happens there, and life will be happening there during the party. It’s one big circle, and it adds to the story of you home.
Have something for people to do. Charcuterie board grazing before dinner is a must, because having nibbles for when people first get there is essential. After dinner, you could play a game around the table (this is our favorite for groups, and so is this one is fun, too) or even a cute little dessert moment where everyone gathers around the kitchen island to eat it would be good. Little built-in moments keep the night from feeling stiff.
Don’t apologize for anything. Not the food, not the mess, not the wine choice. Apologizing makes guests notice things they never would have noticed. Confidence is key when hosting, and your guests will just be happy to be there.
End the night gently. You don’t need to shove people out the door, but have a natural closing rhythm. Something like dessert, coffee, lower the music. People will feel it when the night winds down and naturally feel inclined to leave.
At the end of the night, when the candles have burned low and everyone’s stummy’s are full, you’ll realize the only thing anyone will remember is how they felt. Not the perfectly folded napkins or how clean (or not clean) your house was, but they’ll remember how you welcomed them into your home to share a meal with them, which is just about the most loving thing you can do for someone. They’ll remember the songs that were playing around the dinner table while they laughed until they cried about a story you told them that you’ve never told anyone before.
So just remember: keep it simple, keep it warm, and keep it a little imperfect. You’ll have the best night ever.