How To Host A Dinner Party Well

To host a dinner party for your friends and family isn't all that complicated. A loads of booze, set up proper napkins and cutlery and cook enough of something you can bet on everyone will enjoy. And yet, many find hosting a taxing job to do or almost get it wrong.

While hosting seems blindingly obvious thing to do, thanks to the barrage of tips and notes available on social media, the fine line between how to host well and how to host an aesthetically photo-worthy party has blurred. So, here are a few dos and don'ts of hosting a good party and that starts with knowing who and how many you want to invite. Knowing the number of people attending can help you decide the mood- intimate or not- of the party and of course, help you decide how much you need to cook for.

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Contrary to what your social guilt may whisper, you don’t need to invite everyone you’ve ever crossed paths with. You are not hosting a charity event. A dinner party thrives on chemistry unless you are doing it for the social media - headcount really doesn't matter. In fact, it’s perfectly acceptable and wise to choose guests who will genuinely enjoy each other and contribute to an evening of ease and conversation.

No need to feel guilty about not extending an invitation to the colleague you once shared an elevator chat with or the friend-of-a-friend who happened to laugh at your story once. Select your invitees with authenticity rather than obligation.

More importantly, if you're cooking at home, the most practical (and often overlooked) aspect of hosting is accurately knowing how many people will be seated at your table. A good host ensures that there’s more than just a bite for each guest, literally. Counting plates, portions, and seating ahead of time is a hallmark of thoughtful hospitality. Make sure there’s enough food so guests can relax and savor, not ration unless its a Hunger Games inspired theme party.

Now, that the two most important things are already tickmarked on your how to be a good dinner party host, here's how to do it better than a basic host would. That is by avoiding a certain things that are off-the plate!

There is no beating around the bush when we say winging the menu at the last minute isn't the best idea. It is a disastrous recipe. Improvisation has its charm, but not when it leaves hungry guests waiting while you panic-chop onions in the kitchen. Choose a menu you can execute confidently and mostly in advance. Opt for dishes that don’t chain you to the stove while everyone else is laughing in the next room. The goal should be more time at the table, less time sweating over a saucepan.

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Another thing that can actually ruin your hosting experience and of the hosted is the constant “I’m sorry the chicken is dry,” “Sorry the house is a mess,” “Sorry I’m not a better cook…” Stop. Truly great hosts don’t undercut their own effort with constant apologies. Most guests won’t notice imperfections unless you highlight them. Own the evening. Imperfections often make gatherings more human, more memorable, and more fun.

Know that your presence is the heart of hosting. Once the candles are lit and the first course has landed, your job is to be with your guests. Laugh, listen, ask questions, and enjoy what you’ve created. The measure of a successful dinner isn't how perfectly everything went, it’s how people felt and you.