Throwing a holiday dinner party may seem daunting, but the secret to a stress-free event is to have a good plan. From food to decor, there’s a lot to consider, but with prior preparation, you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating. Here are 10 simple steps to follow to ensure your holiday dinner party runs smoothly.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Choosing a theme is the perfect way to overcome party-planning paralysis. A theme sets the mood of the party and can be tailored to your liking. Popular ideas include an ugly sweater contest or a secret Santa gift exchange, but feel free to get creative.
It’s essential to set a time and date, as well as a guest list, for the dinner party. Make sure to check with your guests and choose a date that doesn’t conflict with major holidays. Fridays or Saturdays are popular options, as they offer more flexibility without the looming stress of an upcoming workday. However, a weeknight gathering can also be a great choice.
Design the Perfect Menu
Food is the centerpiece of any dinner party, so think carefully about what you’d like to serve your guests, and consider any dietary restrictions or allergies they may have. Food that you can prep in advance is also a good option, as it’ll save you stress and time on the day.
Drinks are equally important. A signature cocktail can set your party’s tone, and it can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. For a classy option, a cucumber martini is a good choice. Sake is another versatile beverage, served at room temperature, chilled at 41°-59° Fahrenheit or warmed at 86°-131° F. Sake is affected by temperature, so you can experience multiple flavors from the same bottle.
Create Your Budget
Setting a budget in the early stages of planning helps you stay on track and avoid overspending in the lead-up to the big event. Ensure that you make a note of how much you want to spend on drinks, decorations and other supplies. Creating an inventory of dishes, glasses, silverware and other items you may need for serving is also useful.
Do a Deep Clean
Cleaning may not be the most exciting task, but it’s essential for ensuring your festive dinner party has a welcoming atmosphere, and it simplifies the post-party cleaning process. Thoroughly clean your home two weeks before the party and focus on areas your guests will see, like the hallway, living room, dining room and bathroom. Clear clutter to make your home feel more spacious and dust often-missed areas, such as lighting fixtures and ceiling corners.
Deck the Halls
With cleaning wrapped up, it’s time for the fun part. Determine how you want to decorate your home for the holidays, making sure it reflects your unique style and tastes. A beautiful centerpiece for the dining table is crucial, but lights and candles are also great for creating a warm ambience. You should also have a holiday playlist to complement your decorations. Decorating really sets the mood of your party and creates an inviting atmosphere.
Go Shopping
With everything falling into place, it’s time to stock up. Ensure that you leave enough time to shop, around one to two weeks before the big day. Purchase all your non-perishable food, drinks and party supplies, ideally in one go. If you’re ordering cake, a special cut of meat or other items that need preparing, placing your orders at this time ensures that they’ll be ready for the occasion.
Do a Final Clean
Although you’ve done most of the cleaning by now, it’s best to schedule in some time for a final clean one or two days before. In the run-up to the event, ensure that you do a quick touch-up in high-traffic areas and wipe down countertops to keep things tidy. Ensure that your kitchen is clean too and all set for the cooking marathon ahead.
Prep the Day Before
To avoid a last-minute rush, ensure that you’re all set the day before your festive dinner party. Arrange your dinner table with a tablecloth, dishes, silverware, glassware and any decorative items. Do as much cooking prep as you can, like chopping vegetables, making sauces and assembling dishes to place in the fridge overnight.
Create a Bar Area
A designated drink station can really take a dinner party to the next level, and creating one is easier than you may think. Simply make a separate area for drinks, away from the table, using a bar cart, side table or a designated section of the kitchen countertop. Stock the bar with glasses, an ice bucket, cocktail napkins and, of course, your chosen beverages. A bar area allows guests to help themselves to drinks, allowing you to focus on cooking and hosting without interruption.
Host the Big Night
An hour before guests arrive, conduct a final check and make any necessary finishing touches to your home. Turn on music, light candles and finish any last-minute cooking preparations. When the guests arrive, be prepared to welcome them and make introductions to break the ice. You’d done the hard work. Now is the time to relax, have fun and reap the rewards of your diligent preparations.
Tips for During and After the Dinner Party
Below are some extra tips to keep the party running smoothly and simplify the post-party cleanup.
Manage the Mess
During the dinner party, keep your eyes on the ball. Things like accidental spills can catch you off guard, so keep a cloth or paper towels ready in case that happens. It’s essential to clear up as you go. Managing doesn’t mean a deep clean, but moving plates and glasses when finished and discreetly gathering them to keep the party from getting cluttered is essential.
Wind Down After the Party
Once the dinner party has ended, do a quick clean before going to bed. Disposing of leftovers, gathering the trash and loading the dishwasher are simple tasks that you’ll be thankful for in the morning. Ensure that you leave an ample amount of time the following day to clean the house, wash any remaining dishes and put away decorations. Hosting a party can be stressful, so take a moment to congratulate yourself on a successful event and enjoy the memories you’ve created.
The Gift of Gathering
Festival dinner parties are about more than the food. The true spirit of dinner parties and the holiday season is the people you bring together and the memories you create. While preparing for a dinner party can be challenging, breaking the process down into actionable steps can make it much smoother. Following the tips above will ensure you throw a dinner party to remember for yourself and your guests.
