It’s time to party — dinner party, that is.
Make the most of your next soiree with these 10 tips for hosting a fun, relaxed, and delicious bash. We can practically smell your incredible meal already.
Do: Ask for dietary restrictions beforehand.
You might be surprised who’s avoiding certain food groups — and your guests will certainly appreciate the consideration.
- Not sure what to serve vegan friends? Bitchin’ Sauce is almond-based, delicious, and pairs great with veggies or chips.
- Not sure what to serve gluten-free friends? You can’t go wrong with appetizers from Feel Good Foods — we’re big fans of the mac + cheese bites and the veggie egg rolls.
Do: Build a statement piece into your tablescape.
Never underestimate the power of a conversation starter.
- Grilling outdoors? This mini picnic table condiment holder is basically the cutest thing we’ve ever seen.
- Tell guests exactly what time you want them to leave with this cheeky banner.
- Make boxed wine chic again — and invite conversation — with these wooden boxed wine dispensers.
- Serving beer? We guarantee everyone will comment on these crazy, wavy beer glasses.
- Set a cozy mood with a baguette dough bowl candle.
- You’ve heard of Stanley the mug — but have you heard of Stanley the 64-oz. pitcher?
- Planning an “add your own toppings” bar? Organize toppings with this adorable five compartment serving tray.
- Why serve boring ice when you could get this cactus ice cube tray, these cat ice cubs trays or this tray that makes Halloween shapes?
- If all else fails, light some colorful spiral taper candles and congratulate yourself on your gorgeous tablescape.
Don’t: Decline when guests ask to help.
Go ahead, unburden yourself — because the secret is, when guests offer to help, they usually mean it. Delegating a task can help people feel more comfortable in your space, and busy hands are happy hands.
Plus, there’s something about washing dishes at someone else’s house that’s just not as bad.
Do: Upgrade to linen napkins.
It’s a simple swap, but linen instead of paper makes the evening feel the right amount of refined. A few of our faves:
- These oatmeal + black pebble printed napkins.
- These preppy checkered, cotton napkins.
- These hand-made color-blocked napkins.
- These simple flax napkins you’ll use time and time again.
Bonus: Here’s how to fold your cool new napkins.
Don’t: Serve only alcoholic beverages.
It’s the age of the mocktail, and there are plenty of great options for those not drinking.
- Recreate the cocktails you love with Ritual Zero-Proof Spirits, which uses botanical ingredients to produce liquor alternatives including tequila, rum, and gin.
- Bonus: Browse Ritual’s recipe page for ideas, like a non-alcoholic whiskey sour.
Do: Dazzle guests with a specialty food item.
We can help with that:
- Put out a bowl of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels — a popular brand from Velva, North Dakota, these pretzels have a huge following.
- Upgrade barbecue items by marinating with Q39 Classic Kansas City BBQ sauce — trust that this award-winning sauce, hailing from a city that takes its barbecue seriously, will delight.
- Serve Upper Crust Brownies for dessert — originating from Columbia, South Carolina, these fudgy brownies have never gotten less than a five-star review (seriously, check out the reviews).
Don’t: Let the food get cold.
Timing multiple dishes to be hot at the same time is notoriously tricky. Use a warming tray for parties to make your job easier.
Don’t: Underestimate chair comfort.
The secret to people sticking around and enjoying themselves might just be providing them with a comfy seat. In case it’s time to upgrade your dining set:
- These white boucle dining chairs have a supportive backrest and thicker bottom cushion.
- These rattan + leather chairs are sturdy and have wide seat pads.
- These farmhouse tufted dining chairs are roomy and have a high back for support.
Do: Offer coffee with dessert.
Because, coffee.
- Methodical’s Pink Lady coffee tastes like dark chocolate and berries, while the Blue Boy tastes like graham and brown sugar. Psst — This coffee’s been mentioned in Vogue, The New York Times, and Food & Wine.
- Make your coffee look cool with basically any Fellow coffee accessory, including this matte French Press or this pour-over gooseneck kettle.
Don’t: Be afraid to whip out a board game.
Inject life back into your gathering with a game.
- Sparks inspires thought-provoking conversations and is designed for two to eight players.
- Quick, name three types of cheese in five seconds. That’s the gist of 5 Second Rule.
- Play a mini version of Family Feud with Herd Mentality.
Okay, ready to rock your dinner party? We believe in you.
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