From appetizers to desserts, brush up on everything you need to know to host a modern dinner party.
The rules of entertaining have relaxed a lot since the days of formal fine China vs everyday dinnerware, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a chic and sophisticated gathering at home with modern panache. From holiday meals with extended family to weekend get-togethers with friends, we’re rounding up our top entertaining tips so you can cover all your dinner party bases before your guests come knocking.
Set the Table
The first thing to consider before having anyone over is what dining table you want to buy. Hardwood tables sealed with a lacquered finish are strong and durable, while tabletops crafted from metal or glass won’t stain as easily and are simple to clean. If you’re worried about damage, opt for a hardwood table in a darker stain that’s already distressed. That way, any future nicks or scratches will only add to its character. Marble table tops are always a showstopper, but keep in mind that materials like marble and concrete stain quite easily. Once you’ve decided on what kind of table is best for your space, you’ll need to choose a shape and size to accommodate your usual guest list. One of our favorite entertaining hacks is swapping out dining chairs for a bench along one side of your table. You can usually fit three or four people on a bench if everyone is willing to squeeze in, where you would have been able to fit two chairs. A bistro breakfast set in the kitchen, bar stools along your kitchen island, and even an outdoor dining set can add more seating space in a pinch. If you have the square footage, you can round out your dining room aesthetic with a curio cabinet, credenza, or bar cart.
Decide on a Menu
Setting a menu for your next dinner party well in advance isn’t just smart, it’s essential. You’ll want to check in with your guest list to ask about food allergies or dietary restrictions well in advance, so you can be sure to find a way to accommodate everyone. What’s more, locking in your dinner menu as early as possible saves you from feeling stressed the day of your gathering or running around trying to hunt down elusive ingredients. Purchase fresh ingredients one or two days in advance, so you can focus on perfecting your tablescape. When it comes to choosing the menu, an eclectic mix of dishes is always a sure way to please everyone’s palette, but theming your menu or choosing one cohesive region or cuisine can unify the meal and make it more fun. You can even order cardstock prints of the menu and place them on everyone’s plates before your guests arrive as a perfect finishing touch.
Host a Happy Hour
At any gathering, jumping straight into the main course can feel rushed and too formal. A cocktail hour is always a great way to help your guests loosen up and relax into the evening before you serve dinner. Be sure to set out some hors d'oeuvres wherever you want your guests to gather. A charcuterie board on the patio can invite guests to head out to your outdoor bar and lounge on your outdoor arrangement. Your kitchen island can serve double duty as the cocktail station, and guests can pull up a stool to chat with you while you finish any last minute dinner preparations. Just be sure not to serve too many appetizers and risk everyone losing their appetite.
Perfect Your Tablescape
Pinterest offers plenty in the way of inspiration for your dinner party tablescape, but you want to be practical too. We recommend setting out a few candles and flower arrangements in the center of your table, leaving room for all the hot dishes you’ll be pulling out of the oven. Be sure to choose candles and flowers that are low enough to allow for cross-table conversation. The tablescape is one area where it’s easy to get carried away, so practice restraint while decorating here and remember that your guests need ample space to set their silverware, drinks, and any side plates that made their way over from happy hour. Prioritize making space for them instead of one last flower arrangement. If you find you have gone overboard on the tablescape decor, you can carry these decorations throughout the room onto a console table or sideboard to dress up the room without boxing in your dinner guests.
Dessert Is Served
After the dinner plates have been cleared away, it’s time for the best part of any get-together: dessert. One entertaining trick we love is repurposing your bar cart for the evening and turning it into a dessert cart. It’s less fussy and formal than serving plated desserts after dinner, and everyone can grab what they want and how much they want. Plus it’s easy to prep and finally gives you (the host) a chance to kick back and enjoy a few cookies or a slice of cake. Bon appetit.
