Okay, so I’m going to admit, some of the tips in the post are going to be a bit “old school” to some people out there! How To Host A Casual Dinner Party is something I learned from my Grandma Peggy, who’s now in her 80’s. She was the best at hosting events! Big events too, as that side of the family wasn’t exactly tiny.
What I loved most about grandma’s gatherings is how she was always so organized and prepared, which enabled her relax (to a great extent) with guests.
Since our family was always coming out of town and would come a day or two early, I was lucky because I got to see how she always pulled off hosting successful gatherings.
In the years to follow I enjoyed honing my event planning for friends bridal and baby showers, as well as dinner parties for family and friends.
After we had our 4th child I slowed down and stopped hosting as many gatherings, and I became a little bit more relaxed when I would host, but I’ve not forgotten this past passion!
Lately I’ve been brushing up, and seeing the need to teach the art of planning and presenting a lovely dinner party to my older kids. Is I’ve been teaching this skill to my kids I thought it would be fun to share the process with you all.
So today I’m excited to get to share what I know with you about How To Host A Casual Dinner Party!
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The Purpose of Hosting Guests
I think that when we remember the reasons for hosting guests, then some parts of how to do so becomes easier to understand.
The whole points to having guests over is to treat them, and to build your relationship/friendship.
The problem is, if you haven’t planned properly you’ll spend the entire time working-or apologizing for how messy your house is (anyone else have boys that sometimes miss the target in the restroom or forget to lift the toilet seat???
It’s really hard to enjoy guests and be hospitable if you are running round scrambling to make dinner after your guests arrive or spot clean the restroom just so it can be used!
I’m hoping the tips in this post will help those needing them host better, more fulfilling, and festive gatherings and make great memories to treasure.
How To Host A Casual Dinner Party
Planning is everything. I personally like to start planning a week, preferably two in advance since I have a super packed schedule. I always make a list of everything I plan on serving and everything I would like to have done before my guests arrive.
I suggest making two lists, a MUST DO list and a NICE TO HAVE DONE list.
Must Have Done Before Guests Arrive List
Here are some things you want on the MUST DO list;
- Know what you plan to cook. Create a menu plan. This may seem like a no brainer but I’ve actually seen people wait to figure this out until their guests arrive! I like to plan some no brainer easy dinners that I can just pop in the oven, I’ll share my favorite go to menu plans below.
- Know how long each item on your menu takes to cook. This will help you avoid the problem of having half the dinner finished and going cold before the other half is ready.
- I tape the menu plan to my fridge. I’ve found that if I do not then something on the menu is forgotten (usually I forget the bread in the oven or the salad in the fridge).
- Get EVERYTHING done for the meal BEFORE your guests arrive if you can. It’s not relaxing for guests to come over and feel like they need to help you finish cooking, and it’s super awkward for them if you have to disappear off to the kitchen for very long.
- Have drinks planned and chilled.
- Make sure the dishes you plan to eat off of are cleaned and out.
- Set the table-or have a plan for where people are going to dish up their food.
- Have a plan for where everyone is going to sit-by this I don’t mean name tags at place settings….I just mean make sure you have enough tables and chairs for everyone coming and have the arrangements set up so you are not scrambling to find chairs and a spot for someone to sit while they are standing their holding their plate of food (again, I’ve seen this happen before).
Nice To Have Done Before Guests Arrive List
Here are somethings you might want to put on your NICE TO HAVE DONE list-or at least these are things I like to have done!
Have done by the day before;
- It might be nice to have your house cleaned-or at least cleaned enough! I suggest having the bathroom cleaned since your guest are pretty sure to use it at least once, and it might be nice to have laundry put away so people have places to sit.
- I like it when I have time to have the refrigerator cleaned a couple days prior since I know I’ll be needing space in the fridge for the dinner and drinks.
- Meal prepared if possible
- If children will be coming over I like to get the board games out and designate a place for them
Have done the day of-just before guests arrive
- I like to make sure my kitchen is cleaned and that the counters are as clear as possible.
- Spot clean the bathroom
- Have candles or essential oils diffusing
- Have soft music playing
- Set the table
- Set drinks out
One last thing I always like to try to do is be done at least 30 minutes prior so that I can relax for a few minutes before guests come through the door. I like to pour myself a half a glass of wine and say a little prayer over the gathering for blessings, good times, and that God uses me to be a blessing. I feel like this always helps me be a better hostess/friend!
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Meal Plan Idea’s For Dinner Guests
I love to make meals that I can have prepared at least a day before I host a dinner party. This is partially because I have six kids, and little unexpected things always happen daily! I know that if I wait until the day of an event that I’ll run out of time and be working when guests arrive.
Here are of my favorite meals to plan and prepare in advance.
Kid’s Birthday Party
- Birthday cake (of course)!
- Make ahead baked Mac & Cheese with hot dogs hidden on the bottom
- Salad
- Sauteed Mushrooms and onions in wine sauce for the grown ups to top mac & cheese with
Mexi
- Enchilada’s (easy to make in advance)
- Pico Di gallo & chips
- Lemonade
Italian
- Lasagne
- Caesar salad
- Sparkling grape juice
- French Bread
BBQ’s
I love doing BBQ’s, but I find these can be a little hectic since it means I’m likely to be cooking while guests are here. On the other hand, my husband has taken a liking to grilling and enjoys hanging out at the grill with the guys, so every now and then we like to grill-depending on who it is coming over. If my hubby takes on the grilling then BBQ’s are the summertime go to and I plan salads and rolls that can be done the day before.
Conclusion
When I have new guests over, this is the protocol I like to follow. However, since I am a big family mama I only do this once or twice for people.
After that, I go by the my home is your home rule, lol! In other words, once people know where things are and we’ve established a relationship, I play things far more relaxed and casual because after all, this is 2020, right!?
If you enjoyed How To Host A Casual Dinner Party you’ll love How To Host A Hot Dog Bar!
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