Around 46% of Americans are excited to host dinner parties when it's safe again, which shows how crucial they are for socializing.
Dinner parties are an excellent way to bring loved ones together, broaden everyone’s social network, and have a blast. Perhaps you’re planning to host a casual dinner party, but you’re not sure where to start.
Sounds like you? Luckily, we’re here to help. Here is everything you need to know.
Plan the Guest List
Before you brainstorm casual dinner party outfits for ladies, decide who to invite. Ask a mix of people, from your coworkers to your best buds, so that everyone can meet someone new.
Design a casual dinner party invitation that reflects the aesthetic of your evening and the level of formality you’re after. Note, if you’re having a theme then create invitations that align with it so guests know what to expect.
Make sure you include the time and date of the dinner, location, and deadline for guests to R.S.V.P. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a bottle of wine or a case of beer so everyone is catered to.
Further, ask guests whether they have any dietary restrictions so you create an inclusive menu.
Create a Dinner Party Menu
The most exciting part of the process is choosing between casual dinner party menu ideas. Figure out which ingredients are in season and base your meals around those as you’re guaranteed delicious results.
You should also choose dishes that can be prepared the day before like honey-glazed chicken with chorizo stuffing or, if it’s in season, a roast leg of lamb with mint sauce.
Also, provide nibbles so that guests can graze while they arrive and mingle.
Make Everything Ahead of Time
Once you’ve decided on your menu, prepare dishes the night before. This is especially useful for planning your desserts. Store them in ramekins so you can serve one to each guest.
If you have partially prepared casual dinner party food, whack them in the oven when guests arrive so you’re not stuck in the kitchen during the dinner party.
Get Enough Furniture and Tableware
Next, decide how to set out your casual dinner party table setting. Consider how many guests are expected so you can source enough chairs and a large enough table. Pro tip: get custom industrial furniture so that everyone is catered to.
For tableware, set a stack of plates next to the nibbles along with glassware. You can then decide whether to host a buffet or serve plates at the table for a sit-down meal.
Set the Ambience
Place a vase of fresh flowers on the table and dim the lights so your guests are relaxed. Dot scented candles around the room and, if you have a backyard, hang string lights to set the scene.
And you mustn’t forget the music! Either create a Spotify playlist for the occasion or give the DJ job to one of your friends with the best music taste.
Be a Good Host
A common mistake hosts have is not being present with guests. They could be fussing about tableware or whipping up a meal when they should be entertaining.
You should also go around and refill glasses or have a station where guests can enjoy refreshments. And make sure you cater to non-drinkers with an array of soft drinks and mocktails.
Discourage Smartphones
Americans spend around four hours on their phone daily, whether it's for work or play.
While this is part of our daily lives, it’s important to discourage your guests from using cell phones during the dinner party. Replying to texts or calls sends an antisocial message so ask guests to leave the room if they must take a call.
Consider the Conversation
The conversation is the lifeblood of any dinner party, so invite guests who have interesting stories and love sharing their opinion.
You should then seat these amongst people who they don’t know, so it broadens everyone’s social horizon. In the beginning, share an entertaining story with your guests to ease them into the dinner party and break the ice.
Clean Up
You’ve thrown an awesome dinner party, but now it’s time to clean up. Although guests may offer to help, let them relax and don’t start washing dishes until everyone has gone.
Once the last person has left, gather all plates and glassware and chuck them in the dishwasher. If you don’t have one, rinse and then soak the plates overnight before heading to bed. And blow out any remaining candles!
Say "Thank You" to Your Guests
A fantastic way to show your appreciation is by sending guests a “thank you” note. You can either send this via snail mail or text. This is especially important if everyone brought wine or food as it shows your appreciation.
Also, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when hosting a dinner party as you want to create the ultimate experience for your loved ones. But don’t be hard on yourself if there was a mishap in the kitchen or your accidentally spilled wine over a guest.
The key is to try your best and have fun.
Throw a Casual Dinner Party That Rocks!
Hopefully, after reading this article, you have the confidence to throw a casual dinner party.
Start by planning a guest list, create a diverse dinner menu, and prepare as much food as you can the night before. You should also be present with your guests and show them you appreciate them coming. Good luck!
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