A Guide to Hosting a Great Dinner Party Like a Pro

Disclosure: Simple Is More and our authors do not receive a commission through recommended links in this content. We do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Please visit our editorial policy, disclaimer policy, and terms of use for more information.

Dinner’s done. The food is long gone, and just a few people are left at the dinner party you spent weeks prepping for. You overhear someone saying something about the weather, and you think, “This dinner party is over.”You can’t believe it. You tried so hard. But the energy was never there.

You want to throw a dinner party that people actually talk about. Not just the polite, “that was nice,” but the kind where guests are texting asking where you got something or how much fun they had.

And let me tell you, it’s not hard. An expert dinner party doesn’t mean you have to be a gourmet chef or have a Pinterest-ready house. You just need a few key skills and a good vibe. Here are 13 must-do tips for you to be an expert-level host at your next dinner party.

1. Set the Mood With Lighting

Lighting can make or break your dinner party vibes. Soften harsh overhead lights with dimmable lamps, candles, and string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

People look and feel better in soft light. And, believe it or not, soft lighting actually makes your place look more sophisticated (think about your fanciest restaurants).

2. Create a Signature Cocktail (Or Mocktail)

Don’t offer just wine or beer. Mix things up with a signature cocktail. This unique touch shows you have your hosting game together.

Don’t make it complicated. Pick something easy, like a mojito, margaritas, or sangria. Your guests will love the effort, and it will give them something to talk about right away.

3. Pick Your Background Music Wisely

Music is key. It shouldn’t overpower the conversation, and it shouldn’t put anyone to sleep.

Create a playlist ahead of time and make sure it matches your vibe. You can even change the pace of the music as the night goes on. Maybe start with something slow, work up to something a little faster, then slow it back down.

Your guests won’t notice the subliminal messaging you’re sending with your music choices, but they’re guaranteed to be impressed.

4. Set up a Snack Station

People need something to fill their hands and mouths. Keep snacks readily available with a simple station of nuts, cheeses, and crackers.

You’ll keep your guests from getting too hungry before the main course and make everyone feel more comfortable.

5. Assign Seats Strategically

Take some time to think about where everyone is going to sit. You don’t want to put your shy friend in a corner while the talkative ones are gathered somewhere else.

Put a little thought into where everyone should sit. Mix it up a little and let your friends make new friends too.

6. Know How to Keep the Conversation Going

Even the best hostesses can flop with horrible conversation. Practice keeping the conversation going and be ready with conversation starters when it gets dull.

The best small talkers know how to prompt discussions that everyone can jump into. Think about something like a current event or sharing a funny story. Try asking your guests for extra details and avoid close-ended sentences.

7. Keep the Menu Simple

It’s hard to please everyone, so don’t stress yourself out with a five-course meal. Stick to dishes that you can prep ahead of time, like casseroles.

You want the meal to look delicious and effortless. Your guests won’t remember the dish. They’ll remember how you behaved and if it was good.

8. Have an After Dinner Plan

The dinner party doesn’t stop after dinner. You need to have a plan for the afterparty.

Consider a game, a movie, or just some good conversation with drinks.

Keep the energy going and give people a reason to stick around. Be sure to offer coffee or tea after the meal to help them wind down and signal the evening is settling down.

9. Give a Takeaway

People love gifts, but not junk. Send your guests home with a small, yet thoughtful gift. You could provide some homemade cookies or a small bottle of that signature cocktail you made. Your guests will feel special and your dinner party will be sure to stand out.

10. Set a Reasonable End Time

You don’t want your evening to drag on forever, so you need to know when you want to wrap it up. You don’t have to kick people out at this time, but you can drop subtle clues like slowing down the music or changing the conversation.

11. Enjoy Yourself

You need to have fun and enjoy yourself. If you’re stressed out or trying too hard, your guests will know it. They’re going to pick up on whatever energy you’re giving. If you’re relaxed, laughing, and having a good time, your guests will too.

Don’t worry about the dishes. The best dinner parties are the ones where everyone, including the host, is genuinely having a good time.

Things You Don’t Want to Do

When it comes to hosting a dinner party, there are a few mistakes you want to avoid. They can take your fun evening and turn it into something of a mess. Here are three things you don’t want to do.

1. Neglect Dietary Restrictions

One of the quickest ways to derail your party is to overlook your guests’ dietary restrictions or preferences. This is a small yet mighty detail.

You need to account for allergies, vegetarian options, and other dietary needs that can make some guests feel left out. Always ask if people can eat meat, seafood, and nuts before planning the menu.

2. Overinduldge in Alcohol

As the host, you set the example of how much fun is appropriate. Overindulging can quickly turn the evening from classy to sloppy.

You have to stay in control and keep your guests comfortable. Enjoy a drink or two, but keep it together–you’re the glue that holds everything together.

3. Forget to Tidy up Before the Festivities

A cluttered or messy environment can make any guest feel uneasy, no matter how good the music or food is. Don’t overlook the importance of tidying up.

First impressions matter, and a clean, organized space sets the tone for the entire evening. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but a little effort can go a long way.

Clean and wipe down surfaces, and make sure everything is in its place. Double-check the bathroom for extra soap, towels, and tissue paper. Consider adding a candle or an air freshener to make it more inviting.