For some, like me, hosting a dinner party is a blast. I love to plan menus and cook for people especially when I get to play in my own kitchen. Other people may like the idea of hosting a dinner party, 
but really hate the stress and work it takes into throwing one. I mean really, who loves to clean up after a ton of people? That’s definitely the biggest drawback in my opinion. But there are other struggles that people face before, during, and after the event. Today I want to talk about how to plan and host a successful dinner party.
If you really don’t want to do any work, the answer is simple: make a reservation at your favorite restaurant. Most places are happy to accommodate large parties with enough notice. Plus, you may even be able to enjoy a price fixed menu. Easy peasy. But for those who want to host the event at home, this post is for you.
A few weeks before your party …
Choose a theme:
I don’t mean a theme like murder mystery or 80’s … I mean a theme as in a style. Are you looking for something cozy and rustic or more upscale and elegant? You can buy decorations if you want, I usually just stick to a centerpiece, but you definitely want to set your menu based on style. You don’t even need to tell your guests that there’s a specific theme, but whatever you decide to go with will help you when it comes to planning your menu.
Extend the invites:
Now, it’s up to you whether or not you want to physically mail out invitations, make phone calls, or create a Facebook group. There are so many different ways to invite people to something these days so it’s really your call. Though, in my opinion, if you are looking to host a somewhat elegant event, avoid the social media invites. Real, hard mail is always such a treat to get and actual invitations will make a better impression. Regardless of how you invite, make sure you include the date, time, RSVP information, address, and suggested attire – if applicable.
Plan your menu:
Once you have your “theme” set this will be a much simpler task. You want each course to relate to each other in one way or another. You also need to decide if you want to have a mini cocktail hour with small appetizers before the main event (if this is the case, 7PM is a standard start time with dinner being served around 7:45 or so). Try and choose items that you can prepare ahead of time this way you can enjoy the party and not be stuck in the kitchen all night long.
About two weeks before …
Make or select a playlist:
Honestly, with Pandora, Spotify, and other music apps, playlists are a breeze. You can literally just select a genre or style of music and be good to go. But of course, you’re more than welcome to design your own playlist as well. The main thing you want to remember is to ensure that the music will last for the entire duration without repeating the same songs over and over again.
Get the table settings ready:
I don’t mean to physically set the table two weeks beforehand but if you are using any special china or glassware that you don’t use on a daily basis (again this will depend on how formal your theme is), then take it out of storage, wash, and shine it. You can also take out any table linens and get them cleaned and ironed if necessary. This is also a really good time to make sure you have enough matching dishes and silverware for all of your guests. Take an inventory to be sure.
One week before …
Make a shopping list and cooking schedule:
Often times you won’t be able to get everything you need in one place. Depending on your menu you may need to go to a gourmet grocer on top of your regular grocery store. Plus you need to consider wine, liquor, and soft beverage options. Map out a shopping route to make the most of your time. When it comes to wine, it’s best to calculate about three bottles per every four guests.
Day before/Day of …
Set the table and arrange your decorations:
Straighten up the house and move anything that you wouldn’t want your guests to see. Decide where you’ll have your guests keep their coats. Arrange your table with whatever decorations you decided to go with and, if you are going the formal route, set out place cards and printed menus.
Cook!
Prepare whatever you can the night before the party and the rest the morning of. The best way for you to enjoy the meal you put so much work into is to be ahead of schedule. It’s much easier to just pop things in the oven than to chop, season, sauté, assemble and then bake, wouldn’t you agree?
Pop a bottle and relax …
About 30 minutes before your guests arrive you should be good to go. Open up the first bottle of wine, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy your party!
Rebecca McKinney
I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.
So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!
Eat well & travel often,
Becky McKinney
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