Throwing an extravagant dinner party is one of the best ways to create the highlight of any season. Having your closest friends and family over for a night of drinks, food, and conversation is one of the simplest ways to slow down and enjoy the moment. If you are looking to throw a dinner party and need some guidance, here are some ways to kick-start the perfect evening.
Pull together an all-star guest list
Think about which friends and family you want to invite. This might be a large or small group. Whatever the case, think about the vibe you want to cultivate at your party. For example, maybe you have some co-workers you rarely meet up with outside of work. A dinner party is a great way to bring them together for a fun no-work evening. If you just want to invite your immediate family, that’s great as well. Whatever the case, decide this early to see who can make it.
Something to also consider is the size of the dinner party you want to have. Maybe you have a small patio and want to eat out there. If that is the case, five or six people will suffice and keep your planning low-stress. Figure out early who is coming and who isn’t so you don’t have any up-in-the-air questions about numbers of guests.
Get your home looking the way you want
If you are throwing a dinner party, you might suddenly realize the imperfections you’ve been wanting to fix. You might even need a dinner party as the inspiration to buy that couch you have been eyeing. Take a look at some home design inspiration that is doable and within your budget. This dinner party could give you an excuse to buy some fun throw pillows and new houseplants that you can enjoy even after the party is over.
Find some recipes for specialty season-themed cocktails
On the evening of your party, you don’t want to be scrambling to make sure everyone has a drink. You also probably don’t feel like having a bartender at your dinner. An easy fix is to find an in-season punch or sangria recipe that your guests can enjoy. You can make this in bulk before hand and keep it in a pitcher so that no fussing is needed.
If you are going for a more laid-back evening, head to the liquor store to get some wines and beer for your guests. There are cute drink carts you can keep beverages on and roll outside or wherever the party is. Alcohol is only part of the party, so pick the alcohol after you get your menu pulled together. The menu doesn’t have to be fancy. Pick some simple dishes that are fun to share with a group. For example, putting together a charcuterie board from Trader Joe’s is easy and inexpensive. It also will add some class to your dinner party. But remember that it’s more about the company and the environment than it is about the food.
Purchase some in-season flowers for decoration
What better excuse to buy some flowers? Head to your local florist to see what’s in season and what catches your eye. So many beautiful flowers deserve a spot on your table. This is also one of the easiest decorating tips out there. You can even do some poinsettias and evergreen branches in the winter. There are florals for every season.
Your dinner party is sure to impress if you keep these steps in mind. Go ahead and plan a fun evening for you and your friends.
