Hosting dinner parties: A short checklist for your next dinner party

Dinner is a great time to reconnect with loved ones. It’s also a fantastic time for a little dinner party planning. 

But when it comes to dinner parties, there are a few things to remember such as a detailed shopping list, choosing the perfect date and planning the perfect first impressions for when your guests arrive. 

Here are a few quick reminders for planning a dinner party that’s sure to inspire.

Choose a theme

Picking a theme for your dinner party is an excellent way to build anticipation for your event. Choosing a theme can also help guide you when preparing food, decorations and party games. 

For example, if you’re throwing a football party, you may want to choose traditional tailgate foods, such as sliders and ask for guests to come in attire adorned with their favorite team. 

Build your dinner party menu

While table settings and managing a cooking schedule might seem like the biggest part of planning your party, you may want to consider guests with food restrictions. 

For example, some guests may have a gluten-free diet, and others may be fine with everything except tomatoes. Review any dietary restrictions before starting your shopping list. This way, both you and your guests feel confident in the hors d’oeuvres and enjoy your get together.

Enhance your atmosphere

When planning your dinner party, examine the type of mood you want to set. Are you going for a more relaxed, fun and casual vibe? Or, are you trying to set the right mood for a formal gathering?

Determine your lighting, main course decor and table spread based on your desired mood to ensure the atmosphere hits the mark. You may even choose to add a little extra music to keep the air light.

These tips are sure to help you keep your calm and embrace your loved ones as they arrive. Remember, preparing charming place settings, serving dishes topped with edible decorations and turning your dining room into a cozy yet chic dining experience is sure to get your guest list craving your next dinner party