How to Host a Dinner Party

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Face it: having people over for dinner is one of the most brilliant ideas ever. Of course, dining out now and then is great, but each time you go to a restaurant, you can’t help looking at those around you and thinking, “Man, I could make that meal way better than this.” And as far as cooking for yourself goes, well, nobody wants to eat by themselves all the time. I’ll show you hot to host a dinner party they’ll love.

How To Host A Dinner Party

Pick An Appropriate Date And Send Invitations

One of the most crucial things you’ll learn about how to host a dinner party is to pick a date that works well for you and your guests. For example, a weeknight would be preferable over a weekend because it gives everyone time to prepare themselves for the big day without losing any of their work or school days. Additionally, making sure that everyone has transportation home from the dinner will save many potential headaches from road accidents on icy winter roads or lost cell phones.

It’s also important to give your guests some time to prepare themselves for dinner, even if it’s only a couple of days. After all, nobody wants to be caught off guard by what could turn out to be a four or five-course meal. This way, they’ll have time to make whatever dietary accommodations need to be made and will also come hungry enough for you not to have to worry about serving an additional appetizer before the main course.

Make A Menu And Stick With It

While you can’t guarantee that everyone likes certain foods, keeping the food consistent throughout the evening is necessary for keeping things running smoothly as well as avoiding any embarrassments such as accidentally serving caviar with fish sticks or putting orange juice in the spaghetti sauce.

For example, if you want to serve white meat, such as chicken or turkey, and red meat for your dinner guests, keep it simple with roast chicken and beef tenderloin. Don’t serve anything more expensive than what you can afford because some of your less affluent guests might feel uncomfortable eating something they consider too luxurious. A great go-to meal and one that is loved by all would be a homemade bechamel lasagna! Your guest will thank you for it! 

However, also don’t serve anything that’s particularly cheap either – nobody wants canned tuna on their plate when they could have had steak instead!

All Ingredients For The Meal

This one should be obvious — if you don’t have flour and eggs, there’s no way that you’re going to be able to make a cake. Just remember that some guests may have food allergies or intolerances, so double-check your pantry if you’re not 100% sure of what’s in there!

What To Prepare Beforehand

The most important part of hosting a dinner party is making sure you’re ready for your guests when they arrive – everything else comes after that. So what exactly does that entail? Here are some things you’ll need before opening your door:

Tablecloth And Napkins

While many people might downplay them as being unnecessary, tablecloths and napkins are a great way to set the mood for a dinner party – which is why it’s important to know exactly where they are ahead of time. 

If you don’t already own one (or two) napkins, now is also the perfect time to buy them. Of course, you can never go wrong with classic white linen — but if you’re looking for something more casual, colorful cotton napkins will do just fine.

Plan Some Activities Outside Of The House

If you want to plan for a night where everyone gets out of their seats and mingles, make sure that there’s plenty of room for it. Moving the furniture around in the living room might be necessary depending on how many people are coming on, which could turn into a very cramped evening. 

If you have an especially long dining table, perhaps consider moving it against a wall so that your guests can easily walk around the house instead of being confined to their chairs all night. Outdoor games such as badminton or croquet also work well outdoors when warm enough during most of the year.