Choosing a Theme & Decorating
First things first: start by narrowing your focus and deciding why you want to have a dinner party. Are you having friends over just for fun? Is it a holiday meal? Or perhaps you’re throwing a shower or birthday party at your place. Whichever it is, once you’ve settled on your theme, your dinner party ideas have a place to take root.
For example, consider making cooking as a group the theme. During a dinner party designed around pizza, you could welcome guests into the kitchen to help choose toppings for the pies. The choice of a hands-on pizza party informs everything from meal setup and seating arrangement to the required linens. In this case, add plenty of aprons to your list.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, for a more elaborate dinner party idea, try an awards dinner inspired by the year’s best films complete with printed menus, place cards, assigned seating, formal dinnerware and a multi-course meal. Decorate the table to match by topping an on-theme runner with a candelabra centerpiece. Then, metallic placemats elevate the display further—bringing Hollywood glam to the dining room.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time or just want to keep things low-key, your theme can be expressed simply by using color strategically. For example, if you’re hosting a dinner followed by a game night with friends, put some florals in vases and use them as centerpieces. If you end up taking out a tabletop game after the meal, simply move the blooms to the counter for more space. Opt for flowers in on-theme colors and use those hues in other decor, too.
Despite the apparent differences between these parties, they all make the same point: dining is an experience best enjoyed together. Food can be catered, crafted in-home or even brought in by guests as a potluck—there are no set rules on how to host a dinner party.
Determine The Menu
After the theme is sorted, you’ll want to think about what to serve your guests. Choose a main dish that connects to your theme, or go for something tried and true, like burgers or tacos for a casual party. Instead of searching through your cookbooks for a new recipe, select a crowd favorite. A dinner party idea does not need to be new to be a hit.
From there, build out the rest of your menu to complement your main course. When choosing the side dishes, consider ones that can be made before the party begins. Even the most seasoned at-home cooks agree that one simple dish is more than enough when managing a house full of guests. Another idea: invite friends and family to contribute an appetizer, side dish or dessert to the festivities. This takes some of the pressure off while allowing invitees to contribute a favorite recipe. Be sure to organize what everyone is bringing in advance so the dishes coordinate. For more tips, check out our guide on throwing a potluck party.
Then, determine your drink offerings. While it’s important to make sure your home bar is stocked with all of the essentials, we suggest offering your guests a premixed signature cocktail that ties into your theme. Depending on the number of guests, serve your beverage from a pitcher or a larger self-serve dispenser. Or, if your gathering is more laid back, settle on craft brews.
After you’ve set the menu, create a timeline to help schedule the day of your party. Include everything from dishes that need to be cooked and warmed to putting out appetizers and preparing the dessert table. While you shouldn’t feel tied to the schedule, having one can help the host relax into the evening.
Set the Dining Table
If you’ve decided to host a sit-down dinner, set the table a day or two before the party. Dinner party table decor is a must when inviting people over; whether it’s elaborate or tastefully understated, having a little something extra on the table sets this night apart. By having the tablecloths draped, the napkins folded and all of the dishes, flatware and glasses in place before the big night, you need only focus on setting out the meal when the time comes.
If your soiree is a casual gathering with a buffet, stack the plates, glasses, and flatware at the front end of the food station the night before your event. A clever dinner party idea is to wrap the flatware in a napkin and place each bundle inside a drinking glass to help guests keep a handle on their silverware while going through the buffet line. For a seated meal that’s a bit more styled, lay out a table runner (or let a natural hardwood table speak for itself), then set out charger plates in an on-theme hue. Next, place dinner and salad plates on top—neatly tucking the napkins into pretty napkin rings and laying them on each table setting at a slight angle. If you anticipate many guests, consider name cards in place card holders. Make sure to finish the table with a centerpiece of some sort, be it a leafy garland and candles or a decorative vase filled with botanicals.
When choosing your serving pieces, think about coordinating platters, bowls and serving dishes that create a cohesive presentation. A classic and dependable look is an all-white palette that lets the food be the star. Additionally, the night before the party be sure you have the correct serving utensils for each dish by placing them next to (or inside) the actual serving piece.
Add Flair with the Details
The day of the party, fill glass vases with fresh or faux botanicals. When it comes to blooms, don’t just adorn the dining or buffet tables. Think beautiful low centerpieces on coffee tables, small bud vases with flowers on side tables and a fresh bouquet alongside hand towels in the bathroom.
Use music to welcome your guests. Set your playlist ahead of time and press play before invitees arrive. Consider selecting music that matches the evening’s theme, or time your playlist selections so that the music ebbs and flows with the evening. Alternatively, invite guests to select songs as the night goes on.
Make sure there are plenty of appetizers to go around. Consider setting out small plates and napkins beside your hors d'oeuvre spread so guests can fill a plate and go mingle with others while they snack.
Finally, relax and engage your company. Spend time with your guests, get lost in conversation and savor the delicious meal. After all, the best kind of host is one who can enjoy their own party.
What’s your favorite way to entertain? Share your dinner party tips with us by using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
