One of my favorite ways to spend time with friends is by having them over for a dinner party. The first couple of times I hosted, I was worried every little thing needed to be perfect - I spent hours preparing the food, kept leaving my guests to check on things, and didn’t divide responsibilities well. The best part of any dinner party is the conversations you have with friends and family, so here is my simple equation to take the chaos and stress out of hosting.
FOOD
Choose something easy to prep so that you can be hands-off and engaged in conversation all night. One of my favorite things to do is make a salad and a couple veggie sides and let my husband grill burgers or steaks (that also gives the guys something to do!). Another easy option is a taco bar or a simple spaghetti - prep everything earlier in the day.
Guests always ask what they can bring. I always give them the choice of bringing an appetizer or dessert - one less thing I have to worry about.
DRINKS
Cocktails are fun but can be time consuming in the moment. We typically have options of beer, wine, or sparkling water. One of my favorite special drinks to make as of late is a mocktail of poppi + sparkling water + fresh lime. Keep it easy!
TABLESCAPE
Fresh flowers are always a must when I host a dinner party. I like to place them on the table and in the bathroom the guests will be using. Go to Trader Joe’s and pick out your favorite florals (hydrangeas, white roses, peonies if you’re lucky) and make a simple arrangement! A little pop of color and plant goes a long way.
I love having the table already set when my guests come over. It takes another thing off of the to-do list, and makes it feel a little fancier. I lay out plates, water glasses, wine glasses, and silverware with a fun napkin and maybe a bow tied around the wine glasses. Lots of ways to get creative here, but I tend to keep it simple and clean.
VIBES
I love having a soft background music playing. My go-to lately has been this playlist. It’s also fun to light a few candles around the space to feel fancy.
Hosting a dinner party doesn’t need to be stressful or overwhelming. By simplifying your food, drinks, tablescape, and overall vibe, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere where the focus is on what truly matters: the connections and conversations with your friends and family. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the evening just as much as your guests do. So, prep ahead, delegate when you can, and most importantly, be present and have fun! Your guests will appreciate the relaxed and joyful environment, making the evening memorable for everyone. Cheers to stress-free hosting!