Summer is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than with a party? While a cookout or a pool party is always an option, there's something about a warm summer night that really sets the tone for a soiree. If you're looking to impress your guests, you're in luck! We've picked out some of our favorite tips and tricks to help make your summer soiree a night to remember.
How to Throw a Dinner Party
Hosting a dinner party. It can sound like a daunting undertaking. While it can be daunting, it can also be a really fun way to spend the evening with your friends and family! A dinner party is essentially a fancier version of having people over for dinner. You dress a little nicer, you offer hor d'oeuvres with wine that maybe isn't from a box, and you bring out the good plates. There is quite a bit of planning involved in hosting a successful dinner party, though. If you don't cover your bases, the night could end with a burnt entrée and hungry, unhappy guests. It doesn't have to be stressful though! We've put together all the essentials you need to ensure a successful, fun dinner party that will keep your guests waiting for the next invitation.
Plan Ahead
We mean it. A dinner party isn't something you can throw together at the last minute. To host a true dinner party, you need a few weeks to get everything ready. The first thing you'll need to do is sort out the guest list. Obviously you know your space best, so you know how many people can comfortably fit in your home. If you really want to invite a lot of people, you could rent a tent for your backyard, or if the weather agrees just host the entire party outside! Just know that also means cooking for that many people, unless you pay someone to cater the food. You should give your guests at least two weeks notice once you decide who will be coming. That also gives you a chance to decide the theme, figure out the menu, and all the other fine details. Double and triple check your ingredients list the week of, and go to the store a day or two before the big event to gather everything you'll need. You should also write out a timeframe for how long/when whatever you're cooking will be ready so your guests aren't waiting an hour to eat. Don't forget about the “party” part either! Have a nice playlist ready to go, offer talking points or games, and give plenty of time for guests to enjoy themselves and the meal you've prepared.
Get Cooking
Bestie, this is not the time to act like you're hosting a show on Food Network. Unless you make five-star dishes regularly or are a literal chef, stick to what you know you can cook well for your dinner party. Trying something new or extravagant will only add more stress to your already full plate! If you really want to try something new, do a few test runs with the recipe before you add it to the menu. Our advice? Stick with something simple that doesn't take too much of your direct attention. Roast chicken with vegetables or a nice pasta and salad combo can leave anyone impressed when they're done well! You'll likely have some before dinner cocktails and snacks and offer a dessert after, so you don't have to give your guests three different side choices with their entrée. We promise keeping it simple will save you time and stress, and everyone will be satisfied!
Be Realistic
No matter how much you prepare, there's always the chance something can go wrong when you host an event. The good news is, you're likely only inviting people you know and like to your party! They'll understand if the food is a little late, and they don't expect your house to be magazine ready. Don't get so hung up on the details that you forget to enjoy your own party. You also don't have to do it all by yourself. If someone wants to help clean up, let them! If you don't have fine china and charger plates, you can still have a beautiful table with delicious food and good company. A few candles and a fresh bouquet from the grocery store can go a long way in setting the mood for your dinner.
Dinner parties don't have to be over the top! They just require a little more planning and likely a few more courses than a regular get together with your friends. How fancy the night is truly depends on you! If you follow these guidelines, though, a dinner party of any scale is sure to be a hit.
Party Etiquette 101
We know most of you know how to act at a party (at least we hope you do). However, we’ve all likely had a party experience that left us with secondhand embarrassment because of the way a party guest or a host acted.
How to Throw an Explosive 4th of July Party
One of the most popular holidays in the U.S. is right around the corner- the 4th of July. It's a time for food, fellowship, and, everyone's favorite, fireworks.
Continue reading "How to Throw an Explosive 4th of July Party" »
Spill the Tea
Spring is here, the sun is shining (hopefully), and we're ready to kick that seasonal depression in the ass.
5 Reasons to Throw a Party (Besides a Birthday)
There’s always a good reason to throw a party, even if it’s just to get all your friends together. We’ve picked our favorite opportunities that make throwing a party special when there’s no birthday to celebrate! Continue reading "5 Reasons to Throw a Party (Besides a Birthday)" »
Thanksgiving COVID Style
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and like the other holidays we’ve experienced this year, it will look a little different. Although there’s a sadness that sweeps the nation in mourning over the holiday season we once had, it’s important to remain hopeful and thankful this Thanksgiving. There is still so much to celebrate, and we must focus on that as we enter the holiday season. We are still so grateful for so many things, and we hope you will choose to join us in celebrating Thanksgiving COVID-style. If you do still plan on hosting or attending a gathering this Thanksgiving, here are several things you can do to make sure that you are having a safe holiday. –
Drive-by Parties
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has put a damper on many people’s plans. Though the circumstances are unfortunate, it is important to stay positive. And who says you can’t still have a celebration? Though social distancing is being implemented nearly everywhere, you can still commemorate special occasions with drive-by parties! Continue reading "Drive-by Parties" »
Celebrate November Birthdays
You might think that since Halloween is over and Christmas is around the corner that there might not be a ton of ideas for November birthdays, but you're wrong! There are some great ways to celebrate your favorite November friends and family. Continue reading "Celebrate November Birthdays" »
A Month for the Romantics
To all the hopeless romantics out there, this is your time to shine! August is National Romance Awareness Month, giving each of us in love with love, the chance to celebrate this glorious feeling by simply being our magnificent, in-love selves! Want fun ways to stay romantic this month? We've got a few ideas 😉