The Lost Art of the Dinner Party (And Why It’s Time to Bring It Back)
Once upon a time, dinner parties were a staple of social life. But somewhere between the rise of takeout, the obsession with picture-perfect hosting, and the ever-present lure of Netflix, the casual, no-fuss dinner party became a rare event. It’s time to change that!
A dinner party doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or over-the-top. In fact, it’s one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to spend time with friends. It’s also a great way to turn acquaintances into real friends—because nothing brings people together quite like good food and good conversation.
Whether you’re making everything from scratch or just handling the main dish while friends bring sides, hosting a dinner party can be effortless and fun.
Here are seven tips to make it easy, enjoyable, and stress-free:
1. Keep the Guest List Small & Cozy
A dinner party isn’t a wedding—it doesn’t need a massive guest list. Four to six people is the sweet spot for a relaxed, intimate evening where everyone can talk and connect. If you aren’t able to invite someone this time, just plan something with them in the future!
2. Go for a Simple Menu
You don’t need to cook a gourmet meal. A one-pot dish, like a roast chicken, pasta, or tacos, paired with a salad or bread, is perfect. Want to make life even easier? Make the main dish and dessert, and have friends bring sides. Everyone gets involved, and it takes the pressure off you! I love sharing the meal prep with my friends because it makes them feel part of the process and allows them to flex their culinary muscles too! And don’t forget to ask about food sensitivities and allergies if you are having new friends over. Choose foods that accommodate those needs, and if you aren’t sure how to adjust a dish, a quick Google search will give you some great options.
3. Set the Scene (Without the Stress)
You don’t need fancy table settings—just grab some fresh flowers, String some lights, light a candle for ambiance, get out your nice plates, some pretty glasses and and put on a good playlist. Keep it simple, welcoming, and cozy. Remember, you’re there for the conversation and community.
4. Don’t Overthink Drinks
Maybe you’re a mixologist, and if that’s the case, make a fancy drink to serve. But if not, no worries! A bottle of wine, canned beverages, some sparkling water, or iced tea will do. And always have non-alcoholic options like, mocktails or sparkling water for guests who don’t drink. If you’re hosting people for the first time, giving them a few drink options helps them feel comfortable.
5. Have a Conversation Starter Ready
Sometimes, people need a little help getting the conversation going. A fun question, a lighthearted game, or a topic you know everyone will enjoy can help break the ice and keep the energy up. There are some great icebreaker games that provide fun questions to get things started. You can also ask simple questions like, “Have you read any good books lately?” or “Have you watched any great movies recently?” Try to keep the conversation light, especially at the beginning, and especially if these are new friends. I love deep conversations, but warming up with small talk first keeps the night from feeling awkward.
6. Give Guests Something to Do
When your guests arrive, you might be finishing things up, so if they politely ask what they can do, give them a little task! People like to feel helpful. Let them mix drinks, finish up the salad, or help set the table. It makes the evening feel more communal and takes the pressure off you to do everything.
7. Let Go of Perfection
The best dinner parties aren’t about flawless food or a spotless house. The truth is, everyone has piles of mail and junk drawers! Just tidy up the main area (stuff it in a closet if you have to—I’ve done that before!), clear the counters and tables, and you’re good to go. Having people over is about connection, laughter, and spending time together—not being perfect. If the soup is too salty or the dog jumps on a guest’s lap—who cares? The goal is to have fun, not impress. And let’s be real—perfection is not relatable (or fun!), so just be yourself and you all will have a great time!
Hosting a dinner party isn’t about entertaining—it’s about creating space for meaningful connection. So invite some friends over, keep it simple, and enjoy the magic of gathering around the table.
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