The Art of the Dinner Party
How to Seamlessly Host a Night Your Friends Will Never Forget
Let’s be honest: the world could use a little more magic these days. And what better way to conjure it than by gathering your favorite people around a table, lighting a few candles, and serving up a night to remember?
Hosting a dinner party isn’t just about food and drinks—it’s about creating an experience worth looking forward to and remembering.
This 9-step guide will help you prepare a party that’s as joyful to host as it is to attend. Be sure to save this for your next occasion so you can save time and stress, while impressing everyone you invite.
1. Pick a Date and Stick to It
First things first: pick a date. Not “sometime soon,” not “maybe next month”—an actual, real date. Add it to your calendar, send a text to your friends, and commit. The moment you do, your dinner party goes from “someday” to “it’s happening.”
Bonus points if you give everyone enough notice to clear their schedules (and maybe even get a babysitter).
2. Lock in The Guest List
Who you put on your guest list is the secret sauce to your party. Invite your closest circle and prepare a warm and cozy vibe. But when you're after a lively, buzzing room, take a chance to mix up personalities and backgrounds.
The right blend of guests can turn a simple meal into a night of laughter, connection, and memories. It's an exceptional feeling when you host an event and people leave with new connections and priceless memories.
3. Set a Budget (Yes, Really)
I know, I know—budgets aren’t sexy. But trust me, they’re the unsung hero of stress-free hosting. Decide what you want to spend, then break it down: food, drinks, décor, dinnerware, and any extras (like that playlist you’ll spend way too long perfecting).
A clear budget lets you get creative without the post-party panic attack. Soon we'll drop some of our own inspiration for $500, $200 and, even a $100 dinner party, but for now you can find inspiration all over Instagram and Facebook.
4. Kick Things Off with a Cocktail Hour
First impressions matter, and nothing says “welcome” like a pre-dinner cocktail hour. Set out some light appetizers, shake up a signature drink (or two), and let the music set the mood. This is your chance to help guests ease into the evening. Pro tip: Proper lighting and music are crucial from the very first minute.
5. Choose Your Dining Format
Are you going for a formal plated dinner, a laid-back buffet, or a family-style feast where everyone passes the potatoes? Your dining format shapes everything from seating to service. Pick what fits your space, your guest list, and—most importantly—the kind of night you want to create. It's all up to you! be considerate of who's attending and have fun with it.
6. Build a Menu That Tells a Story
Here’s where you get to flex your culinary creativity. Think of your menu as a story: a beginning (appetizers), a middle (main course), and a delicious ending (dessert, obviously). Balance flavors, textures, and timing. Don’t forget to consider dietary needs—don't leave allergenic or vegan guests fending for themselves. And if you’ve got a signature dish, now’s your time to shine. Allow people to bring sides, appetizers and drinks; it's a huge time saver to focus on the main course.
7. Pair Your Beverages Like a Pro
Wine is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Maybe it’s a sparkling mocktail, a craft beer flight, or a curated list of non-alcoholic sips. The right drink can elevate your meal and your mood. Ask yourself: what pairs best with your menu and your guests? Beverage choice can separate a classy, relaxed evening from a high-energy social event.
8. Set the Table, Set the Mood
Your table is your stage, this is where you impress. Whether you opt for a minimalist look with crisp linens and a few candles... or a maximalist one with greenery, place cards, and layered textures, make it intentional. A thoughtfully set table invites guests to linger, laugh, and savor every moment.
9. Let the Good Times Roll
You’ve planned, prepped, and set the scene. Now, let go and enjoy it! The best hosts aren’t perfect—they’re present. Light the candles, cue the music, pour the drinks, and join the fun. Your guests will remember how you made them feel, not whether the soufflé fell.
Dessert: The Sweet Finale
Don’t sleep on dessert. Get creative with an outstanding cake, a tray of homemade cookies, or a scoop of sorbet; dessert is your chance to end the night on a high note. Bonus points for something shareable—nothing brings people together like passing around a plate of treats.
Ready to Host Your Own Unforgettable Dinner Party?
The truth? You don’t need a mansion, a Michelin star, or a Pinterest-perfect table to host a night your friends will never forget. All you need is a little intention, a dash of creativity, and the courage to invite people in.
So pick a date. Text your friends. Plan a menu that makes you excited to cook. And when you’re ready to set the table, let Totem add the magic for you.
As we say, it’s not about what’s on the table—it’s about who’s around it.
Ready to make your next dinner party legendary? Start planning, start inviting, and let the good times roll.
SAVE THIS for your next dinner party, it's about time you became the host people look up to, and talk about!
Hungry for more tips, inspiration, or the perfect piece to elevate your next gathering? Check out Totem’s collection and join the movement to make mealtime matter.