In our increasingly digital (and lonely) age, the simplicity of connecting by eating together is becoming a lost art. 

There’s no doubt that food brings people together. Inviting friends and acquaintances into our home to share a meal can bolster existing friendships and awaken new ones. You can reverse the trend toward eating alone and in a rush by bringing back the art of hosting! 

Hospitality doesn’t need to be fancy or intimidating to make your guests feel welcomed and valued. Here are some thoughtful steps on how to host a dynamite dinner party that is sure to enchant your family and your guests!

Make a (Realistic) Plan

Hosting a dinner party can be a lot of fun, but make sure your ideal vision for the evening doesn’t snowball out of control. 

If you are new to hosting, keep the guest list small. Choose a group of 4-5 people who are already somewhat familiar with each other. This will ensure that conversation is more effortless and you can focus your attention on the logistics of hosting. 

Consider also the size of your space and what sort of table you have. Excessively long rectangular tables can inhibit conversation. A round or oval-shaped table is ideal for helping everyone feel included and effortlessly part of the conversation. If your space does not allow for a comfortable sit-down meal, consider whether your outdoor space might be more suitable. If not, a mingling cocktail hour with finger food in lieu of a sit-down meal can be a great option (and can allow you to extend the guest list!)

Remember, a successful dinner party prioritizes the guests. The goal is to make them feel seen, appreciated, and valued. While important, food and ambiance are secondary to the connections made. Hospitality is about generosity, not showing off. Keep your plan manageable to ensure that everyone enjoys a wonderful evening of camaraderie and connection.

Extend a Thoughtful Invitation

Once you have decided on your guest list, send an invitation at least 2 weeks prior to the event, and be sure to request an RSVP. 

Include the dress code so your guests will feel prepared and at ease. If you would like to use the occasion to dress in cocktail attire, then be sure to include that detail. Casual is fine, too! To ensure your guests feel comfortable, clearly communicate any expectations regarding attire.

Once a guest has RSVPed, ask whether they have any food allergies or dietary preferences. This ensures you will have adequate time to plan your menu. 

A polite guest will almost always ask what they can bring. If you’d prefer to decline their offer, you can graciously say, “Thank you so much for offering, but I’ve got the menu covered.” Or, “The menu’s all set – I’d love for you to just come and enjoy!”

Plan a Balanced Menu

Once you have your number of guests and are aware of any dietary accommodations, you can plan your menu. 

Aim for recipes that can easily be prepped ahead of time. Ideally, use tried and true recipes to mitigate the risk of any last-minute “surprise” results. To keep your kitchen calm and organized, it is helpful to create a menu that fits with the following formula:

1. Something that can easily rest in the oven

2. No more than one dish on the stovetop

3. One item that can be served chilled or at room temperature

For low-stress meat options, choose stewed or braised meats. These recipes are very forgiving and can contentedly keep warm in the oven without getting dry or overcooked. A forgiving starch like a baked casserole or twice-baked potato can be an excellent side. A refrigerated salad or room temperature veggie can round out the meal. 

Even with the best-planned meal, last-minute snafus can happen! Have your freezer stocked with one or two backup options just in case.

Welcoming your guests with a simple offering—a glass of wine, a cheese tray, or other premade options—sets a relaxed tone and allows you to focus on the main meal. Crudité, charcuterie, or a simple snack mix are all easy and satisfying choices.

Prep Behind the Scenes

The key to freeing yourself up to be present to your guests is to do as much as possible in advance. 

Your thoughtful menu will allow you to greet your guests when they arrive rather than slaving over the stove tending to countless last-minute details. Guests may feel uncomfortable if they see you rushing around, so aim to have everything ready 10 minutes before they arrive.

Consider including a close friend on your guest list and ask them to arrive 20-30 minutes early. Not only will this give you an extra set of hand if any last-minute details require extra attention, but it will set the subsequently arriving guests at ease and avoid any nervous awkwardness about “arriving first.”

Set the table earlier in the day. The morning or even the night before is a much more relaxed time to set up each place and ensure that all the cutlery and dishes you will need are clean and available. Lay out any serving dishes and label them with post-its of what dish they will contain. 

If you’re short on plates, consider thrift stores. Simple white dishes are an economical and stress-free option, easily replaced if broken, unlike a matching china set. Opt for simple white dishes that can easily be matched with other white dishes. 

Ending the Evening with Poise

Once you have served the final course and the conversation fades, it’s time to end the night! 

Should your guests seem unaware that the evening is winding down, a few subtle cues can gracefully signal that it’s time to depart. Clearing the dishes or starting to wash up often prompts guests to either offer assistance or take their leave.

For more persistent guests, consider lowering the music, dimming the lights, and offering a heartfelt farewell, expressing your gratitude for their company. Retrieving coats and using gentle body language to guide movement toward the door can also be effective. As your guests depart, thank them sincerely and let them know how much their presence was appreciated. 

With that, the only thing left is to start planning your next dynamite dinner party!