Hosting a dinner party can be fun. That’s why you volunteered to do it! But hosting a dinner party can also be stressful, and that’s why you’re looking for some inspiration now. 

Let’s break it down into a few manageable steps and see how you can host a party your guests will never forget (for the right reasons!)

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Decide where to host the main event

Don’t worry – you don’t have to prepare the whole house! Only the rooms you’ll be hosting in need attention right now. Decide which room this will be. The dining room would be a sensible choice, but if it’s a warm evening or you’re just feeling especially brave about the British weather, hosting in the garden could also be fun. There’s just something about sharing a meal with friends amidst the quiet buzz of nature as the sun goes down and the stars come out. 

Prepare the living room

When your guests arrive, you may still have the dinner on the go. That’s not a problem, as long as they have somewhere comfortable to sit as the last preparations are underway. Ready the living room for this purpose. Add a few extra cushions to the sofa and armchairs. You could make the room look even cosier with a few warm throws. 

If it’s a cold evening and you have some kind of fireplace, this is the perfect time to use it. 

Use some fragrance

The best experiences utilise all five senses! They’ll be eating your amazing food and feasting their eyes on your décor, but don’t forget that fragrance can go a long way too. 

Place some potpourri on one of the main surfaces in the communal area (but perhaps not the dining table; you don’t want anyone mistaking it for something edible!). A scented candle could be another nice touch. If in doubt about what fragrance to pick, it’s handy to know that most people like vanilla and peach scents.

Light it up 

If it’s a dinner party, chances are your event is an evening affair. Rather than resorting to glaring main lights, why not use some cosier lighting? 

Small lamps with a warm glow, candles placed in a safe location and feature fireplaces can all create the vibe you’re looking for. If you’ll be dishing out the food in the garden, outdoor fairy lights and solar lights can be a real treat for the senses.

Think about the theme

In addition to the living room, your dining room is likely to play a central role in your guests’ evening. If your party has a theme, why not go the extra mile and find some paper plates and cups that tie in with it? If it’s someone’s birthday or something similar, you can have fun with party banners too. 

Even if you didn’t have a theme in mind, it’s not too late to think of one. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate 1940s evening; even a simple colour scheme can be your theme. Whatever you go for, your guests are sure to be impressed by the extra thought you have put into the evening! 

Dinner parties are all about unwinding and creating good memories. As a host, it’s a time to get creative and feel the satisfaction of giving people a great party. If it feels daunting, take a step back and break it down into bitesize steps! Don’t stress too much; just have fun with it.