Tips to hosting a Dinner Party in your Home
I feel like it’s important to mention that although I am writing to you as a tenured event planner, I am proud to say I learned 90% of these tips from attending dinner parties my mother and father have hosted in the past. My mother is Queen of the Table Set and my Father can bring anyone to tears or laughter with a great toast.
So, from my home to yours, I hope these tips will create special moments in your home too.
1. STAFF UP
Whether you are having your dinner catered or not – hire a few extra helpers! Having that little bit of extra help to put the food out, pick up discarded plates and napkins, wash discarded glasses and more, it will make all the difference for how YOU experience your dinner.
Whether your guests are your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors – YOU invited them for an evening in your home. As a host, your guests want to spend time with you and after all the planning and prep for the evening – you deserve to enjoy the night!
And let’s talk about that moment when you say goodbye and close the door after your last guest leaves…. We all know this moment – you had fun and glad you had your guests over but man you are tired! Do you want to turn around and see a home you spent days cleaning with trash and dirty dishes everywhere OR do you turn around to see that your helpers have already taken care of the washing and straightening up?
Game Changers! Trust Me!
2. TABLE SET
A little color coordination goes a long way. You don’t have to worry about whether your everyday china and silverware are up to par if you add a little UMPH to the table. Pick three items on your table to color coordinate: napkins, flowers, runner OR color glassware, tablecloth and charger OR a patterned soup bowl, napkin and charger. The options go on and on so do not drive yourself crazy with finding the perfect something. Just find 3 items that you have a set of 8 and then start layering. Building from the bottom up!
*This is the order I suggest when setting your table– start with choosing your table runner or tablecloth. Then add your flowers or color coordinating centerpiece in the middle of the table. Remember guests want to be able to see and speak to everyone at the table so your centerpiece either needs to be low or tall and thin enough it won’t block your guests view.
Next build your dinner set and bottom up: set your place mat or charger then your dinner plate and salad bowl. Add your silverware -making sure you have the right pieces for each course. Next set your drinkware including a water goblet and the correct wine glass for the wine you paired with your main course.
Now, I know you are thinking – why can’t they bring the glass of their drink preference that was poured when they arrived – well some will stick to that, but most others will appreciate your attention to detail and thoughtfulness for pairing a drink with your meal.
3. TOAST
As a host, it is important you recognize your guests, formally welcome them to your home and thank them for sharing the evening with you. This is any easy tip to dismiss as many don’t like to draw attention or think the formality is not for them. I will tell you that this moment makes an impactful impression and could be the memory your guests associate with the evening.
Now there are two types of people –
One is eloquent in words and has no problem taking this on; the other will stress about this moment for days leading up.
For the eloquent I say “You do You!” But for the other, an extra bit of advice – some of my favorite memories of toasts are from speakers who use rhymes or lyrics to express their thoughts. It’s a thing, I promise – check these suggestions out from Colleen Graham. https://www.thespruce.com/the-best-toasts-for-all-occasions-760923 *Shout out to the late Dan Bertoch whose speed lyricism will be forever remembered by many!
4. TAKE AWAYS
Notice, I specifically didn’t say gifts – I think the difference makes a difference in the host’s mind. A takeaway is more manageable for the hostess because it really could be anything small. Giving a takeaway to your guests is another thoughtful touch that will really impress your guests. They will really appreciate this extra step and depending on the takeaway it may even be a memento they keep as a reminder of a wonderful evening in your home.
The first and easiest option is actual takeaways, to-go takeaways… come on what are you going to do with all those leftovers!
I like this option for desserts especially because whether your guest LOVED the dessert and wants more OR was too full from your fabulous dinner but is sad to miss it, you give them the gift of a second chance!
So go to your local store (or better yet Amazon) and find a cute bento box or container, add a Thank You gift tag and get ready to send home some happy guests!
And the ideas endless – what about gifting a small bottle of the secret ingredient in your meal. Little bottles of hot sauce will be the talk of the town for weeks to come!
Now it is your turn to be the Host/Hostess.
Takes these ideas and make them yours! Do not get overwhelmed in what you can’t do – we can’t all be Martha Stewart. Think about a dinner party that sounds fun to you and host THAT dinner. And most importantly, if you have fun your guests will have fun. Enjoy your evening!
Xoxo, Kambria