Planning a dinner party for six guests doesn’t have to be stressful—in fact, it can be downright fun. With the right approach (and maybe a little help from your favorite local restaurant), you can serve a memorable meal without missing out on the laughs and conversation.
Download the free checklist:
Cook What You Know—or Call in the Pros
The first rule of dinner party success? Don’t experiment with a new recipe on party night. Stick to what you know—or know where to order from. If you’re confident making pasta and meatballs, fantastic! Serve it with pride. If not, there’s no shame in outsourcing to your favorite Italian spot. Most restaurants offer generous pans of ready-made dishes that taste just as good as homemade.
Tip: Be sure to transfer restaurant food into your own serveware. It makes everything feel more personal and polished—even if you didn’t cook it yourself.
Choose a Theme to Guide Your Menu
Themes make everything more festive—and they take the guesswork out of planning the menu. Love seafood? Celebrate lobster season in August with a backyard boil. Feeling cozy? Try a holiday-themed meal in December with hearty dishes, candles, and mulled wine. Themed dinners also help you plan your table decor and music for a cohesive, Instagram-worthy evening.
One of my favorite dinner parties was a lobster feast, with 2½ lb. lobsters flown in fresh from Maine. My husband grilled them (easy and dramatic!), and I added mini butter warmers at each place setting so everyone could dip their lobster in melted butter. Fancy, fun, and yes—deliciously messy!
Tip: Coordinate your dinnerware and napkins with your theme. It’s a small detail that goes a long way toward making your guests feel special.
Keep It Easy for Catch-Up Nights
If you’re reuniting with friends you haven’t seen in a while, you probably don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen. This is where convenience meets charm. I often call our local Italian restaurant and order a tray of lasagna, another of chicken alfredo, a giant salad, and a bag of fresh Italian buns. Add a few butter pats, some wine, and dessert—and you’ve got a no-fuss dinner that everyone will love.
Tip: Pick up disposable foil trays if the restaurant doesn’t provide them—it makes cleanup a breeze so you can focus on enjoying your guests.
Feeling Creative? Cook Something New
If you do want to try a new recipe, plan ahead and prep as much as possible the night before. Choose something that can be made in a slow cooker, baked in the oven, or simmered while you entertain. And if you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out the cooking recipes on my website—many are party-tested and perfect for groups.
Tip: Test the recipe once in advance if you can. That way, there are no surprises—and you’ll know exactly how much time it takes from prep to plate.
The Final Course
At the heart of every great dinner party is a sense of welcome. Whether you cook it all yourself or bring in the experts, what matters most is the laughter around the table. Keep it simple, add a personal touch, and don’t forget to toast to good food and even better friends.
Your Perfect Dinner Party Checklist
By Michelle Valentine
1. Choose Your Menu Strategy
☐ Cook your signature dish
☐ Order from a favorite restaurant
☐ Test a new recipe in advance (optional)
Tip: Stick to what you’re great at, or let a local restaurant do the heavy lifting—just serve it in your own dishes for a personal touch.
2. Pick a Fun Theme
☐ Seasonal (e.g., Lobster Season, Fall Harvest, Holiday Dinner)
☐ Cuisine-based (Italian, Cajun, Seafood Feast, etc.)
☐ Casual vs. Elegant
Tip: Use the theme to guide your decor, music, and menu.
3. Plan Your Meal
☐ Main Dish (homemade or restaurant tray)
☐ Side Dishes
☐ Salad
☐ Bread & Butter
☐ Dessert
☐ Wine, Cocktails, or Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Tip: Order larger trays for easy leftovers—or second helpings!
4. Set the Table
☐ Dinnerware that matches your theme
☐ Glassware (wine, water, or cocktail glasses)
☐ Cloth or festive napkins
☐ Centerpiece or candles
☐ Personal touches (e.g., butter warmers, place cards)
Tip: Candlelit settings or fresh flowers always elevate the atmosphere.
5. Prep & Decorate Early
☐ Pick up food or prep ingredients the day before
☐ Set the table in the morning
☐ Chill wine or beverages
☐ Light candles just before guests arrive
Tip: Background music adds ambiance—choose a playlist ahead of time.
6. Enjoy the Evening
☐ Greet guests with a drink or small appetizer
☐ Keep conversation flowing
☐ Take photos for memories
☐ Savor the meal (and dessert!)
☐ Don’t worry about perfection
Tip: Focus on connection, not perfection. Your guests will remember the warmth, not the dishes.
Leave A Comment