how to host your first summer dinner party
As we (hopefully) welcome warmer weather (Dutch summer is not really summering this year), it’s time for al fresco dinners, brunch picnics, or just opening your windows and enjoying a summer breeze with a simple dinner and some booze. Hosting becomes a lot more fun!
Surprisingly, I host more dinner parties than anyone I know, despite my social anxiety and chronic perfectionism. If you’re planning to host friends and feeling cautious about it, trust me, I've been there. Here are some tips to help ease your nerves.
First things first: basics
Most of the time, my hosting starts with a sudden urge to invite people over without any concrete plan. With so many possibilities, it can get overwhelming. The best approach is to consider a theme or guest list first, which sets the tone for the rest of the arrangements.
Sometimes you want certain people over, need to host because it's your turn, or have a specific theme in mind like a bridal shower or picnic party. Establishing this foundation first really helps.
THE GUEST LIST
Start by jotting down a list of people you want to invite. Think about their life situations—how far they need to travel, how late they can stay, if they have kids, and if they can drink. These factors will help dictate who you invite. Also, think about any dietary restrictions or preferences to plan a menu everyone will enjoy. It’s all about making everyone feel welcome and catered to.
THEME & DECOR
For close friends, consider a casual dinner, potluck, or cooking together, making the table setting fun. For in-laws or more formal gatherings, go a bit fancier. Choosing a theme can make your dinner party extra memorable and easier to plan. Whether it’s a seasonal menu, an Italian night, or Taco Tuesday, having a theme helps streamline the planning process.
Don't be me, a control freak who wants everything as planned. We're not going after perfection — cozy and welcoming is the goal.
INVITATIONS
Get creative with your invites! Whatsapp heads-ups are convenient, but personalized invitations can set the tone for your party. A cute invite that matches your theme can excite your guests and give them a sneak peek of what to expect.
tricolor radishes with labneh, wild garlic oil and za‘atar
@herrlich.dining
Lemony summer pea pasta with yogurt
@busra.sahin
flourless choc cake, creme fraiche, berries & basil
@kirthanaaMENU PLANNING
Let your theme guide your menu and keep it stress-free by choosing dishes you enjoy making and can prepare in advance. Stick to recipes you’re comfortable with, especially if it’s your first time hosting. A starter, a main, and a dessert are more than enough. As Anthony Bourdain said,
The perfect meal, or the best meals, occur in a context that frequently has very little to do with the food itself.
If cooking feels overwhelming, consider a potluck where everyone brings a dish, allowing you to focus more on hosting in style.
Queen of tablescaping @blanca_a_tablePREP AHEAD
It’s time to put those high school math classes to use. Make a list of everything that needs to be done, like shopping, cleaning, setting the table, and cooking. Delegate tasks if needed (I mean it's always nice to have someone to vacuum for you) and get help from your partner or friends with shopping (If they're NOT the type to call you and ask about the difference between parsley and coriander when you're in the middle of something).
Be mindful of how much time each dish will take. A good rule of thumb is to get the ingredients and clean the house the day before, set the table, and cook whatever you can in advance.
On the event day, make fresh items while reheating what you prepared earlier. Make big batches of cocktails so you can mingle instead of playing bartender all night. Aim to be ready at least 30 minutes before guests arrive.
Customize your menu with this cute doodle Canva template, available for instant download.TABLE SETTING
Setting the table is where the real fun of hosting kicks in! Whether you're a minimalist or a wild mix-and-matcher, start with a plain, humble off-white tablecloth. It's like a blank canvas for your dishes and colorful tableware to pop. Pick a couple of theme colors and splash them around boldly!
Get playful with a mix of plates, cutlery, and glasses! Experiment with varying heights using candlesticks, vases, and flowers. Add a whimsical touch by incorporating fruits and vegetables into your decor—imagine tomatoes and basil harmonizing 'amore mio aiutami' at an Italian-themed celebration!
Print out your menu and incorporate it into your table setting. Whether you're serving pasta and wine or a gourmet feast, it adds a special touch to the dinner ambiance.
SETTING THE MOOD
Here are a few ways I always set the mood to make my dinner parties feel extra special: Don't use super shiny overhead lights! I only use dimmable lights and candles for a cozy ambiance. Greet guests with a candle and bouquet at the door. Freshen up the bathroom with towels, flowers in a vase, and another candle. And of course, curate a playlist that matches the vibe—it’s all about setting the right mood!
source: pinterest
KEEP IT LIGHT
Your energy sets the tone, so keep things light and go with the flow. If a dish doesn’t turn out, just laugh it off and enjoy the moment. Remember, the goal is to have fun with your friends, not to be perfect. Have a few simple and fun games ready to keep the energy up. Whether it’s a theme-related activity or a classic board game, games can break the ice and get everyone laughing.
further reading
If you're like me with the attention span of a 1-year-old and the only thing you can read is cookbooks, here are a couple I swear by. They’ll keep you engaged and help you tick off another book from your Goodreads list.
Nothing fancy
by Alison Roman
A house party in tuscany
by Amber Guinness
Cook this book
by Molly Baz
