If you’re anything like us, your social media feeds are filled with beautiful photos of delicious-looking home cooked meals. But in reality, getting a group of friends together for a dinner party can be stressful. There’s the menu to plan, the grocery list to make, and the cooking to do. Not to mention, you also have to worry about keeping everyone entertained.
Don’t let the stress of hosting a dinner party stop you from inviting your friends over for a good meal. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will make it easy for you to plan and execute a successful dinner party with your friends. And at the end of the night, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the company of your good friends with a full stomach.
1. Choose a date and send out invitations
The first step to hosting a dinner party is to choose a date that works for you and your friends. Once you’ve settled on a date, send out invitations via text, email, or even snail mail if you’re feeling fancy. Make sure to include the address and any other important details like whether or not guests should bring anything.
2. Plan the menu
Now it’s time to start planning the menu. If you’re not sure what to make, ask your friends if they have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. Once you have an idea of what everyone can and can’t eat, you can start planning your menu. We suggest choosing one or two main dishes and then adding a few sides and dessert.
3. Make a grocery list
Now that you know what you’re going to make, it’s time to make a grocery list. This will help you make sure you have everything you need before the big day. Plus, it’ll save you time and money when you’re actually at the store.
4. Prep as much as possible ahead of time
One of the keys to a successful dinner party is to prepare as much as possible ahead of time. This means chopping vegetables, prepping your homemade green enchilada sauce, cooking any proteins that need to be cooked, and making sure all of your ingredients are ready to go. The less you have to do on the day of the party, the better.
5. Set the table
Now it’s time to start setting the stage for your dinner party. If you’re using disposable plates and utensils, set them out on the table. If you’re using real plates and silverware, make sure they’re clean and put them out on the table. You should also set out any serving dishes or platters that you’ll be using.
6. Put out snacks and drinks
As your guests start to arrive, put out snacks and drinks for them to enjoy. This will help tide them over until dinner is ready. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to mingle and catch up with your friends before sitting down for a meal.
7. Enjoy the company of your friends
Once everything is ready, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the company of your good friends. Relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. And don’t forget to take lots of photos! After all, what’s a dinner party without documentation?
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