Staying in is the new going out. As surveys show that more people are entertaining at home rather than going out with friends to eat, it’s a great time to polish your hosting skills.

 

With the cost of living rising, temperatures dropping and many of us used to spending more time at home due to the pandemic, dinner parties are a great way to socialize on a budget this fall. Here are some top tips to help you plan the ultimate gathering. 

 

Research dietary requirements

Before you get carried away designing menus and choosing ingredients and recipes, it’s crucial to contact your guests and ask about dietary requirements. You may need to adjust the dishes you had in mind or alter the menu completely if people have allergies or intolerances or they don’t eat certain foods. If you are catering for friends or family members who have specific needs or preferences, look for ideas online and ask for recommendations. 

 

Offer a welcome drink

Nothing sets the tone for a special evening like a welcome drink. You can choose from a classic glass of fizz, a bucket of cold beers, personalized cocktails or old favorites that always go down a storm like a cosmopolitan, margarita or a paper plane cocktail. It’s a great idea to add alcohol-free alternatives, including mocktails and soft drinks and to serve water before and during the meal. 

 

Figure out quantities and double-check shopping lists

Running out of food and discovering you don’t have all the ingredients you need while rustling up a dinner party feast are cardinal hosting sins. Before you start preparing dishes, figure out how much food you need to order, create a list for the grocery store and double-check the ingredients and quantities. When you’re ready to start cooking or putting plates together, get your equipment ready, lay out the ingredients and make sure you have recipes to hand. Clean up as you go to save time and stress later. 

 

Create a playlist

Music adds ambiance, it can be a conversation starter and it can help you to channel a theme or create the right mood. From upbeat tunes to get everybody in the mood for a post-dinner dance to chilled-out background music for a laid-back, relaxing evening, you can curate a playlist to suit the occasion. If you’re celebrating something special, why not get your guests involved and ask them to share suggestions?

 

Prepare in advance

When you invite people to a dinner party and you’re looking forward to spending quality time together and having fun, the last thing you want is to be confined to the kitchen. Plan a menu that allows you to prepare in advance and concentrate on hosting and socializing. Do as much as you can before your friends and relatives arrive so that you can enjoy the party once it’s in full swing. Cold starters and chilled desserts are ideal. 

 

 

Studies show that entertaining at home has become more popular since 2020. If you’re eager to showcase your hosting skills and plan a dinner party, follow these steps. Research dietary requirements, figure out quantities, plan in advance and get as much preparation work done before guests arrive. Make a playlist, rustle up some welcome drinks and choose dishes that you know everyone will love that are simple and quick to create. 

 

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

-Diego

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