Planning intimate, at-home occasions might be the new norm for the time being. While that might not be our favorite way to go about our special occasions, we might as well perfect the perfect hosted dinner party. Now, we’ve all been to an awkward dinner party, and if you haven’t, lucky you! They can be painful to get through as a guest, and stressful for the host. We’re here to help you learn the ins and outs of hosting the perfect dinner party. Below are a few tricks to make for a functioning, appealing, and enjoyable environment for all of your guests.
The Plan
First thing to consider when planning is the WHY. Why are you hosting the party in the first place? Find your reason for hosting the party and determine what is the main occasion. It should remain at the center of the party, and you’re lying if you say you don’t love a good theme! Here are some questions to answer:
What tables and chairs do you have to work with?
Does your space provide the right space so guests can still feel connected without being crammed in a space?
Do you have enough plateware? Are you going to need dessert plates, soup bowls, multiple forks, etc.?
Are you assigning seating?
Inside or outside? Will weather be a factor?
Design
The design of your party is more than just the decorations and determining what type of flowers you might get for the evening. When it comes to centerpieces, you’ll need to go back to considering what type of plates you have available and will be using. It’s important to have this staged first and then fill in the voids.
If you do plan on having a theme, keep it simple. A little detail goes a long way and subtle additions can be the keys to tie everything together. For example, if you’re planning a Fall themed Harvest dinner, start with neutral pops of color, light florals, or even something you cooked with. (Pumpkins, squash, anything colorful!)
Expert tip: Add candles, ALWAYS! It adds ambiance and is a beautiful table setting. It creates a balanced look on any table.
Guest List
Now that you have a design and plan in mind, it’s time to start building your guest list. You probably have one in mind already, but it’s important to re-evaluate during the planning process. Are you hosting for your close friends, family, coworkers, or even your book club? Knowing your guests allows you to remember what you are getting accomplished at your dinner party. The point of your party is to gather and conversate. It’s to enjoy each other’s company while eating a family favorite recipe and enjoying a wine your best friend brought over.
Always remember, less is more! You may want to impress your friends or family with an extravagant centerpiece, but keep in mind that they will be a lot more comfortable if they’re not having to dive and duck to grab the salt and pepper.
Want to make the dinner the easy part? Find a caterer who is willing to work with you and stay within a budget. We’ll try not to be biased, but we recommend Five Tables Cafe, our preferred vendor!