Contributor: Kasey Dobbins of Foxwood Design Co.
There is no better feeling than food and drink set before you all in an act of love and friendship. Food, curated intentionally to look beautiful, spark hunger and bring nourishment in a setting that shows its guests they are deeply worth someone’s time and energy. It is quite special.
I don’t think anyone is immune to the lovely and lingering effects of a fantastic dinner party in an intimate setting at a table of good company. Though it takes a bit of a Joie de Vivre approach, hosting a dinner party like this is easier than it seems. Let me help you with these simple guidelines.
Forming Your Guest List
The guest list — consider its size by the dynamic you prefer. I recommend looking at your dining room table, or whatever table you’re wanting to host these humans around. The amount of people that can fit around your table comfortably is your guest list cap, and then have some people you’d invite as well if anyone from your guest list can’t make it.
Think dynamic. Choose who you’re most enthusiastic to host. Whether it’s your innermost circle of close friends, couples, or the valiant choice of bringing interesting people in your life together that don’t yet know each-other. Once you’ve chosen the party dynamic you’re most excited about, you’ve got your most important decision dialed in. The people you choose to bring together at this table are the best and most valuable part of your dinner party. I regularly host my closest girlfriends for dinner. It is a beautiful way I show them I love them.
Ambience Matters
Ambience — you know what I mean? It’s the other best part. Important elements here are music and lighting. Low and flattering lighting is vital to creating an intimate setting where the best kinds of stories are told and people feel comfortable enough to ugly laugh, ya know? Think lamp lighting, dimmers, candles (love tapered ones for a table setting), patio string lights if you’re outside, even those battery operated small table lamps you can buy on Amazon are perfect. Even better, layer several of these lighting options for the best effect.
Music— make it easy. Choose a Spotify artist “station” that will give you a variety of similar songs on an endless playlist that sets the mood you love, all while keeping your specific guest list in mind. I’ll often put on Otis Redding Radio, Louis Armstrong Radio, or something classic like that. Grab a bluetooth speaker that’s small so you can put it anywhere. (Marshall makes a great one.) Charming music will fill any potential silence with continual enjoyment, and it won’t feel abrupt.
Setting your table with candles, florals, or even just greenery from your yard in low height arrangements does the trick! Invest over time in some vintage glassware, platters, candlesticks, or dinnerware you adore as well. Once you start collecting things, the prep will only get easier – and be more fun! That said, do not let your imperfect dining setup, low budget, or ongoing house projects stop you from hosting. On multiple occasions, I’ve used sawhorses or even Tupperware storage containers with plywood on top and a long linen tablecloth that drapes to the ground. I’ve decorated with my collection of vintage disco balls at times and confetti from previous events that I’ve thrown on the table between candles. Just go for it, Make it work simply from what you already have.
Choosing Your Menu
Choosing a menu that is dinner party-friendly is tough. My biggest tip here is choosing items that offer flexibility and forgiveness. Keep it simple, my friend. No individual steaks or finicky dishes. There are way too many stunning entrees and sides that don’t require you stressing as your guests arrive. I once made mushroom and herb risotto for a dinner party and for the entire hour prior to serving, I was quite literally sweating and stirring that pot of risotto. I was barely able to talk to guests without sounding frantic. I couldn’t pour them wine or even put lipstick on before it was time to serve dinner. If you can think of anything that you are truly comfortable making, choose that.
Choose a way to garnish each plate. You can use herbs or lemon zest, whatever you think is best, and have that ready to go ahead of time. Choose one appetizer that you make ahead of time as well, and then one that requires no effort (like marinated olives). For cocktails, my party trick is to premix the drink/cocktail and serve it in a pretty decanter, pitcher, or a drink dispenser without ice (and without liquor). Then at your “bar,” have an ice bucket, the liquor(s) for your chosen cocktail and a garnish if necessary. Each guest can mix a virgin one, a single, or a real stiff one at their leisure. It’s beautiful, easy and lets you focus on socializing. Alternatively, wine— this is the easy button that no one is ever upset you pushed.
In my experience, the dinner parties for the books have been the ones with informal food served in a beautiful way. Be inspired by your unique strengths as a host. Approach this knowing your home is special to you and to your guests, as are YOU. You are unique, and so is the food you choose to make, the drinks you choose to serve, the music you love to play and the setting you provide for these memories to be made. Keep those lights low baby, use the pretty tapered candles and let them drip on the table, create a beautiful setting, and invite them in— the people you love most. You’re just a few simple steps away from hosting an absolutely stunning summer of dopamine-filled dinner parties, my friend. Your best and most memorable nights are just around the corner.