How to throw an easy dinner party and impress your friends
One of my first dinner parties was a murder mystery set in Chicago during the 1920’s. I don’t remember what I served, but I do remember who was there and how much fun we had that night.
Throwing a dinner party can be intimidating because there are many parts to coordinate – who to invite, what to serve and how to pull it off — sometimes within a budget.
I consulted with two experts – Lisa Moore of NoDa Bodega and Maeghan Crenshaw of Cabo Fish Taco. They shared their insights into how to host a dinner party without the stress and expense.
Style and guests
Before you create a guest list, decide on the style of the dinner party:
– Will it be casual or formal? Cookout in backyard or sit down dinner?– How will the food be served? Buffet, family style or plated?– What is the theme? Ethnic, celebration, unusual holiday?
Once you decide how many guests fit comfortably in your space, choosing who gets the invite is next.
“I like to mix my guests – single and couples,” Moore says. “I also think the more diverse the group the better.”
Food and beverage
Planning around the season of the year for the meal can narrow down choices.
“This time of year, it’s roasted and braised entrees, casseroles, stews and soups,” Moore says.
A simple meal will be appreciated by your guests if it means you can be a part of the group instead of working in the kitchen. Both Moore and Crenshaw recommend not trying a new recipe on guests.
“If you are serving a meat main course and have a vegetarian guest, be sure to have substantial and delicious sides and a vegetarian app so they will not be left out,” Crenshaw says.
Crenshaw and Moore offer these cost saving ideas:
– One pot meals like jambalaya, chili or enchiladas serve a lot of people.
– Serve a signature drink like a sangria, mojito or margarita to complement meal.
– Ask guests to bring a side dish, dessert or favorite beverage.
– Put out pitchers of water with lemon and lime wheels.
Moore’s favorite dinner party recipes:
Crenshaw’s go-to recipes:
Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta
Mood and seating
Little things can change the overall feel of a party. Turning lights low, having a kickass playlist and setting an attractive display of food can make guests feel comfortable in your home. Maeghan offers, “Most people like to contribute – have someone pour wine, someone bring dessert, etc…”
Here are other ways to make the evening go smoothly:
– Prep ahead to be sure kitchen is neat. It often becomes the gathering place for guests.
– Put out a few apps for guests who arrive early and hungry.
– Leave the dirty dishes for later and join guests.
– Use tea lights and mason jars for decoration.
– Simple white twinkle lights instantly turn a backyard party more festive.
Make sure you have enough seating. Lisa shares, “If you have a coffee table you can always set it and use throw pillows.”
This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 12:00 AM.
