Planning a dinner party can become a memorable and fun experience to share amongst a group of guests. With a little bit of thought and prep, your dinner party will be a success. Considering the occasion, guest list, theme, date and budget are a few key things to keep in mind surrounding your event. Read more below for our recommendations on how to have the best dinner party yet!
Steps to Planning Your Dinner Party
1. What Is the Occasion?
Are you hosting a birthday, anniversary, holiday or engagement dinner? Or, are you wanting to get together with your favourite people to share a meal and some laughter? While there doesn’t need to be a specific reason for a dinner party, the purpose of your event can shape how it all unfolds. If you are hosting a group of girlfriends for a casual night in, the theme, food, music and drink of choice can vary from an elevated dinner party celebrating your friend’s engagement. Starting with the occasion or purpose, if there is one, is at the top of the list when it comes to planning.
2. Who Should You Invite?
Consider the size of your space and what type of party you want to have. If you are interested in having an intimate night with your closest friends and want to talk to everyone, perhaps having a group of 4-6 people over is appropriate so everyone can sit at the same table. If you want to host a large, family style dinner, you can open up your guest list as your space will provide. That way, guests can be in different rooms of your house including the kitchen, dining, family rooms and outdoor spaces. Lastly, invite guests that will enjoy each other’s company for an entertaining and pleasant evening for all.
3. How to Choose a Theme
Choosing a theme can be an easy way to help guide the menu, decor and atmosphere. If you want to go with an Italian inspiration, serving lasagna, salad, bread and tiramisu with paired wines against a red and white gingham tablecloth could make for a perfect evening. Or, keep it casual without a theme and let the menu, drinks and people inspire you.
4. Picking the Perfect Date
Choose a date that works well for both you and your guests. Consider the time of day for your event, whether it will be a casual dinner, a formal affair, or a themed evening. Picking a date outside of holidays and busy times of the year will ensure a great turnout from your guest list.
5. Planning a Budget
Keeping a budget for a dinner party helps you keep track of your expenses and prevent overspending. It's easy to get carried away when purchasing food, drinks, and decor, so having parameters allows you to allocate to the most important parts of the evening. In addition, having a budget reduces stress and avoids excess waste of food, drink and decor by only purchasing what is necessary. A budget makes for a smooth planning process for both you and your guests to enjoy. Some things in life are free like friends, love, and laughter so let’s make the most of it!
Dinner Party Food and Drink
Balance the menu with light and healthy options. Asking guests in advance of any allergies and dietary restrictions will ensure everyone enjoys the meal. Plan an appetizer, main course, sides, and dessert and include a variety of flavors and textures for a well rounded meal. Lastly, include both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks that complement the meal.
Ideas for Appetizers
The following appetizers are versatile and customizable finger foods for people to enjoy without using utensils. They are light and fresh and are easy to make ahead of time, saving you prep and stress of the dinner. These perfect snacks are an easy and crowd-pleasing way to start the evening.
- Spring rolls: Fresh or fried rolls with a variety of vegetables or protein options like shrimp, beef, chicken or tofu. Serving with chili sauce or soy sauce is great for dipping.
- Hummus with veggies and pita: Cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers and olives paired with a hummus dip and fresh pita bread.
- Cheese and charcuterie platter: Put a variety of cured meats and cheeses alongside fresh fruits and veggies, olives, nuts, jams, mustards, toasts and crackers on a serving tray.
Main Course Options
- Lasagna: a classic Italian dish made up of layers of pasta, sauce, cheese (usually mozzarella and ricotta), and meat or vegetables. Choose pork and beef or try a veggie version with eggplant, zucchini and spinach.
- Mexican tacos with customizable toppings: Hard and soft taco shells made from corn or flour paired with ground meat, veggies and a variety of toppings including cheese, lettuce, sour cream, salsas and guacamole.
- Pasta dishes: Choose your favourite noodle shape and make a delicious seafood marinara with shrimp and garlic, a simple pesto with pine nuts and cheese or a classic tomato sauce with ground meat.
- BBQ: A variety of meats including steak, chicken and beef can be a great option for guests to enjoy paired with capsicums, onions, zucchini and corn.
- Curries (Thai, Indian, or plant-based options): Spices and herb based sauces that use onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and coconut milk to form a sauce or gravy. Adding chicken, beef, tofu or veggies are popular options. Served over rice to complete your dish!
Perfect Side Dishes
- Garlic bread: Thick slices of italian bread served with butter, garlic and cheese or olive oil and garlic for a vegan friendly option.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, capsicums, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli and sweet potatoes roasted in the oven with olive oil.
- Fresh garden salad: Lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and croutons served with lemon and olive oil for a simple and delicious salad.
Delicious Desserts
- Fruit salad: Choose a variety of seasonal fruits like citrus, apple and pear in the winter and berries, peaches, plums and melon in the summer.
- Tiramisu: An Italian dessert known for its creamy layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee, mascarpone cheese, and whipped cream, all topped with cocoa powder.
- Chocolate Brownies: A fudgy, chocolatey favourite treat that can be made cake-like or chewy for your guests.
- Cake pops: Small, bite-sized pieces of cake on a stick, coated in chocolate or candy melts and decorated to make them fun and festive.
- Pavlova with seasonal fruits: A crispy meringue base topped with fresh whipped cream and a variety of fresh fruits. It's light, sweet, and perfect for any special occasion.
Beverage Pairings
- Alcoholic: Choose options that will compliment your meal and theme of your dinner party. Ideas include Mojitos, espresso martinis, margaritas, Aperol spritz, craft beer and wine.
- Non-Alcoholic: For those who avoid alcohol or for younger guests, prepare homemade iced tea or mocktails, or consider purchasing bottled kombucha.
How to Keep Food Warm for a Dinner Party?
Firstly, make sure the menu does not include food that can’t be easily reheated and doesn't lose quality when reheated. The obvious way to keep food warm without drying it out is by keeping it covered, which helps retain heat. Use aluminium foil or lids to trap warmth while preventing the food from drying out.
Additionally, you can use warming trays or slow cookers for hot dishes. You can also keep the oven on low heat to hold food until serving time, especially if appetizers and mingling last longer than expected.
If you don’t have warming trays, keep your oven on the lowest setting (around 50-60°C). Cover the food with foil to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out.
How to Serve It?
Using proper plates and serveware, if available, can enhance the overall dining experience and elevate the visual appeal of your food. Cover your table with a tablecloth to protect it from spills or food stains. For larger groups, use tableware:
- Serving Trays & Serveware: for placing appetizers
- Grazing Boxes: for a convenient option if you need to transport the food
- Bowls: for dishes with sauces or soups
- Napkins in the color of the party theme
- Drinking cups or glasses: for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Straws and Picks: for a more appealing look for drinks
- Cutterly
We also invite you to consider using natural wood disposable tableware for an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing option.
How to Decorate a Space
Choose party decorations in the color of the party theme - from pink party supplies to black party supplies!
Floral arrangements, themed table centerpieces, table runners, candles, and placemats can create a beautiful setting for your dinner party. If you’re looking for a more playful display, balloons, foil curtains, decorative fans for a photoshoot, and other party decorations that match your theme are great choices.
Conclusion
Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere along with the suggestions mentioned above will allow your guests to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves at your next party. With a few key elements, a little bit of prep and some delicious food, your party will be one to remember!