Have you ever scrolled through your social media feeds and marveled at those stunning, dream-worthy dinner parties? Well, the dream is about to become a reality! This article offers an easy-to-follow guide to help you host your very own Pinterest-worthy dinner party!
Step 1: Set a Theme
Setting a theme provides a cohesive framework for planning your dinner party. It could be broad (e.g. “Spring Fling”) or ultra-specific (e.g. “Bridgerton”). Consider sending out cute invites and a dress code to enhance your theme! For the purpose of this article, let’s use the example theme of “Spring Fling.”
Step 2: Plan Your Menu
Crafting a suitable menu involves considering appetizers, starter salads or soups, a main course, and dessert. If you feel more limited in the kitchen, consider hosting a potluck where you provide the venue and main course, while guests contribute dishes to match the theme. When creating your menu, be sure to be aware of any dietary restrictions of your guests. Here’s a sample menu for the “Spring Fling” dinner:
Appetizers:
- Charcuterie board (salami, pita crackers, multigrain crackers, Boursin garlic and herb cheese, cheddar squares, grapes)
- Bruschetta (french baguette, Trader Joe’s bruschetta)
Starter Salad:
- Kale Spring Salad (kale, goat cheese, strawberries, dried apples, lemon and balsamic vinaigrette)
Main Course:
- Spicy Penne Vodka (penne pasta, sauteed vegetables, Trader Joe’s Vodka Sauce, parmesan cheese, chili flakes)
Dessert:
- Strawberry Shortcake (pound cake, whipped cream, strawberries)
Step 3: Block Out Adequate Time to Cook and Set-Up
A dinner party doesn’t have to be a stressful event! With the dishes you choose to serve, be mindful if they tend to demand a longer cooking time. With the “Spring Fling” menu example, I would block out three hours of time solely for preparing the food, accounting for the time it takes to boil the pasta, chop any produce, etc. It’s preferred to prepare the food day of for freshness, but there’s no harm in also doing food prep the night before to be better prepared. I would include an additional hour at least to clean the space and set up the table where the food will be served.
Step 4: Design the Ambience
This is the part you can have fun with! Adjust lighting, music, and colors to match your theme! A nice default is to have a cute tablecloth, flowers, candles, name cards and menus to elevate your table setting.
Food & Decor Tips and Tricks
- Trader Joe’s is your best friend — they offer many pre-made ingredients that you can easily throw together to still create a classy and delicious meal, as well as affordable flower arrangements!
- Oftentimes Dollar Tree and the 99 Cents Store actually have many table decor options to tie together the theme. Amazon also has some fun themed decor packages!
By following these steps and tips, you can host a memorable and aesthetically pleasing dinner party that will surely impress your guests and yourself!