A Winter Dinner Party

I think hosting dinner parties is quickly becoming a lost art. I sometimes wonder if the pandemic had anything to do with this, but I also have a sneaky suspicion that dinner parties were starting to become obsolete with our generation even before then.

Maybe it has something to do with how busy so many people are these days. In the last decade, I have noticed that dinner parties have largely been replaced with more casual gatherings. Instead of setting a date in advance, curating a menu, and creating a tablescape, many opt for a last minute gathering where everyone shows up in their sweats and chips in for pizza.

Don’t get me wrong, I think casual gatherings are better than no gatherings! The most important thing is connecting with others. Nevertheless, I miss the days where you would get all dressed up to go to a nice dinner at a friend’s house, bring a thoughtful gift for the hostess and make real conversation over a good bottle of wine and a homemade meal.

If you’re thinking of trying your hand at hosting a winter time dinner party, we think you’ll appreciate some of the ideas below.

Create A Pinterest Board For Inspiration

This is such a fun part of the planning process. I love getting an idea of the vibe that I want to create for my guests and this is the perfect platform to do just that. This is usually where I gather inspiration for a theme, tablescapes, appetizers, flower arrangements and even curate the menu. You will probably refer back to this many times throughout the planning process.

Invitations

Image via Paperless Post

Unfortunately, gone are the days of paper invites in the mail. It’s sad but very true. The reality is, you’re lucky these days to get any invite at all other than a text. This is why I love Paperless Post (genuinely love them, this is not sponsored!) Their electronic invites are so elegant and are made to look like real stationary. The best part is they make the invitation process super simple for the host and guests. They allow you to have a guest list, extra info regarding the event, an RSVP section, a map, reminders and more. Make sure to include a section in your invitations where your guests can specify any dietary restrictions they may have. This will help you plan the menu better.

Curate The Menu

If you won’t be hiring someone to cook the food, it is imperative that you, as the host, do one of two things: either pick a dish you’ve made before (that you know you make well) or pick simple dishes. It’s the worst when you are responsible for feeding a group and you are making a recipe for the first time (I’ve been there!) Any little hiccup becomes a source of major stress and you don’t want that!

Remember, it’s always an option to do a trial run of the menu a few weeks prior to your dinner party.

Menu Ideas

This Pesto Bolognese Lasagna is a great new take on a classic, would be great for feeding a group, and the best part is you can make ahead and then allow it to bake in the oven while you tend to other responsibilities. Click here for the recipe.

Image via Half Baked Harvest

You really can’t go wrong with a crowd pleaser like roast chicken. It pairs well with so many side dishes, and this particular recipe for this garlic herb butter roast chicken is full of flavor! Click here for the recipe.

Image via Cafe Delites

I love a kale salad for dinner parties because kale is so great at tolerating dressing. It doesn’t wilt as quickly as other salad greens do, so if you happen to dress your salad a bit too early in the night, it shouldn’t be a big deal. This recipe has so many delicious flavors, it’s definitely not your average, boring salad! Click here for the recipe.

Image via The Original Dish

These puff pastry brie bites are a great appetizer choice. I remember years ago, Trader Joe’s had a frozen version of these that were absolutely delicious. I would serve them at every gathering! I wonder if they still do? Either way, these are a great homemade option. Click here for the recipe.

Image via Lemons and Zest

This slow cooker creme brulee dessert is foolproof for a dinner party. You make them in the slow cooker for 2 hours and then refrigerate them overnight which is perfect because you don’t have to worry about them while preparing for your party. Right before you are ready to serve, just sprinkle the tops with sugar and torch the top. That’s it! They are easy but your guests will be so impressed with the fancy result. Click here for the recipe.

Image via Bellyfull

Once you’ve finalized the menu, print your own menu cards for each place setting. This is such an elegant touch and really elevates the dining experience for your guests. It shows intentionality behind your hosting and also lets them know what to expect.

Image via Olive Paperie Co

Tablescape

Image via Cocon De Décoration

Next, it’s time to set the table! Will you be using a tablecloth or keeping the table bare? Will you set out placemats? Cloth napkins are the preferred option for a dinner party, and I have found some great inexpensive options at Target and Homegoods. This is also where you want to consider a centerpiece. I love to stick to several flower arrangements that are low in height that I can scatter throughout the length of my table. That way, my guests can still see each other and nothing obstructs conversation.

If you choose to use place cards, you can print them at home or purchase some beautiful homemade designs on Etsy that fit the theme of your dinner party. Finally, don’t forget candles! You can opt for tea lights displayed in glass votive candle holders or elegant taper candles, depending on the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Dress Yourself

I love choosing an outfit weeks in advance. On the night of your party, I would recommend being fully dressed and ready an hour before your guests are due to arrive. That gives you plenty of cushion in case you are running behind. It’s okay to be finalizing dinner once your guests arrive but it’s not okay to be undressed!

I love this long sleeve knit midi dress by Sezane for hosting a winter dinner party. It’s elegant but still comfy enough to allow you to move around in the kitchen. Pair it with knee high nude boots.

Set The Mood

Image via Venue Report

This last part is super important! Set the mood before your guests arrive so that once they enter your home, they feel great energy and are excited for the night. The most important thing to do is make sure you have a minute to be calm, have a drink and collect yourself. If the hostess is stressed, the guests will definitely pick up on the vibes and that’s not fun for anyone.

Dim the chandelier, turn off overhead lighting if possible and choose lamps or accent lighting instead. Everyone looks more flattering this way. If you think back to your favorite restaurant dinner, chances are the place was more dimly lit, so follow suit! Pick a playlist that will last the whole evening. I personally love jazz or bossa nova but you can pick your favorite music that you think everyone in your group would vibe to.

If you have a fireplace, turn it on! If not, there are so many cozy screensavers on youtube that turn your tv into one. My personal favorite is to pick an artwork to digitally display on the tv. A few more things to remember:

• Clean your home the day before your dinner party.

• On the night of, refresh the guest bathroom and ensure there are plenty of hand towels, hand soap, toilet paper and that it smells nice in there.

• I would stay away from scented candles. Some of your guests may be sensitive to smells and, it’s a dinner party, after all. The scent that should be filling your home should be the aroma of the wonderful meal you’re about to enjoy.

• Semi homemade is always ok! If you choose to make dinner but you’re totally not a baker, its perfectly fine to buy dessert. Present it on a beautiful platter or cake stand and I assure you, no one will mind.

• Have fun! Make sure you focus on your guests, be genuinely interested in them and stay away from controversial topics. This is about connecting with friends, not engaging in lively debate.