Having people over for dinner is my new favorite thing. It’s a fun excuse to try a new recipe, open up a bottle of wine and have a cozy catch up. Going out to dinner and trying a new restaurant, of course, is always a good time (especially in San Francisco) but it can at times feel like a whole production when you account for finding parking, dealing with lyfts, waiting for a table, etc.
I much prefer to have a good friend (or two) over to enjoy something (hopefully) delicious while we can chat and laugh and be together without the crowds and noise of a bustling restaurant. It’s much more intimate (kinda a gross word but you know what I mean) and definitely my ideal way to spend a Saturday night.
If you love the idea of having people over but aren’t really sure where to start, what to cook, how to be a good hostess, etc. then this post is for you! I am extra by nature but impressing your dinner guests really doesn’t require anything over the top or crazy elaborate. It’s all about the small details and making everyone feel at home.
Here is a surefire way to impress your dinner guests without losing your mind or throwing your money away!
PLAN A DELISH MENU
This is my favorite part! I love going through my cookbooks and picking out recipes I know certain friends will love. If you’re not a cookbook gal (or guy) then use Pinterest or peruse www.bonappetit.com for something delicious to make.
I have been loving both of Alison Roman’s cookbooks Dining In and Nothing Fancy because they’re fairly easy, consistently delicious and fun! I also love my Back Pocket Pasta by Colu Henry because as I’m sure most of you know pasta is my heart and soul.
While I definitely do not think a five-course meal is at all necessary, I think it’s important to make a balanced dinner. If you know that the meal is going to take a while to prepare then having a charcuterie board out or some yummy dips is a great way to tide people over.
For the actual dinner itself, I think having a main course with a veggie side is an easy way to go. Maybe some delish bread depending on what you’re serving. I like to find things that require a different cooking method to make things easier on myself. So if I’m making a yummy pasta dish on the stove, I’ll make roasted broccoli in the oven so I can just throw it in there and not have to actively cook two things at once (if that makes sense).
Admittedly, I have yet to really venture into the dessert world that heavily but if you really want to have something sweet for your guests after dinner, make it ahead of time! Baking cookies (or whatever you love) earlier in the day will save you time and stress later in the evening.
Also if you feel like you’ll get stressed or overwhelmed with making so many things, consider prepping everything earlier in the day or the day before. What can be chopped/grated/baked and refrigerated ahead of time? Make it easy on yourself!
WINE (OR A GREAT COCKTAIL) IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
If you’re ever worried about starting dinner late, always remember that wine is the best kind of distraction. It’s also something you can absolutely ask your guests to bring if they offer! Although I do like to have a bottle or two on hand for emergencies, ha!
You can also ask your guests if they have a favorite cocktail (in case they’re not “wine” people in which case maybe don’t even have them over at all?) and pick up those ingredients. It doesn’t have to be anything super complicated. An old fashioned, margarita, martini, etc.
I have a bar cart so I love to get it set up with glasses, mixers, paper straws, etc. so my guests can help themselves while I’m finishing dinner or I can prepare them a little something to sip on myself.
I really have my eye on a pretty wine carafe because they are classy af and really up your red wine serving game. I also like to fill one of my regular carafes with lemon water so I don’t have to make my guests refill their glasses at the sink (LOL).
Here are some cute bar cart essentials and glassware I love:
CUTE DISHWARE
If you’re looking to instantly up your hostess game, putting out pretty place settings is the way to go.
Homegoods is the spot if you’re looking for affordable plates, bowls, cloth napkins, and serving platters. I got my favorite beautiful blue plates from them that I love for serving. I also got a great salad serving bowl and some awesome platters too.
I got a gift card to Sur La Table for my birthday and bought a gorgeous dinnerware set that I’m in love with but of course if you’re looking for something a little less expensive there are tons of options.
Here are some pretty options I found on Amazon that are inexpensive and will ship to you quickly!
SET THE MOOD
Make your home feel welcoming and cozy! Light some candles, put on a great playlist and have everything (drinks, snacks, etc.) out and ready to go when they arrive. Have a place for them to put their jackets and shoes so they can get comfy!
At the end of the day, it’s all about having a good time with your friends and showing how much you love them by feeding them and enjoying their company. Just focus on that and you’ll be set!
Do you love hosting dinner parties? Tell me in the comments! And thanks for reading 🙂
Xo,
She
