How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party

Twenty-somethings are trading in the club scene for a more intimate affair—the dinner party. It is a refreshing change for those tired of yelling over loud music or ruining their shoes after a fateful incident with a vodka cranberry. Aside from posing significant Instagrammable opportunities, dinner parties are a lot of fun. Unsure how to spend your weekend? Sometimes it’s best to return to basics: enjoying food and drinks over conversation with friends. As you plan more nights in and fewer nights out, refer to the following secrets to successful soirée.

Music is crucial for the perfect dinner party atmosphere, but no one wants to play DJ while juggling hostess duties. Curate a playlist prior to dinner so that you can focus on what’s important. Whether it be disco lounge, smooth jazz, or French New Wave, your choice of music should relate to the theme—just be sure it’s not too loud. This isn’t the club, it's your apartment; ensure conversations can easily flow with no shouting required. 

Dinner party table decor begins with the table itself. Having one suitably large to accommodate your guests is easier said for those of us living in New York City. If you don’t own such a thing, make an indoor picnic table with a blanket on the floor and cushions for seating. Decorate the makeshift dining space as you would any other table.

Dress the table with the same care that you dress yourself. The essentials are fairly straightforward: a tablecloth, plates, water glasses, stemware, utensils—you get the gist. Even so, there are measures you can take to make the table as elegant as you are. The first is a centerpiece. This is usually in the form of flowers, but get creative! Do be aware of the height though—guests should be able to see each other as they dine. Next are place cards. They aren’t necessary but do alleviate awkward setting confusion upon arrival. Lastly, never underestimate the power of a candelabra—instant chicness. While there are always the classic three-light candelabras many of us associate with Lumière from Beauty and the Beast, they come in many different varieties.

If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be the importance of lighting. Aside from having food and drinks, optimal lighting is arguably the most influential aspect of the dinner party. No one looks good under blinding LED lights. Plus, aren’t we trying to relax? Do yourself and everyone else a favor by dimming the lights. Candles are your best friend—aim for these to be your primary lighting source.

Plan several group games to spice up the evening. This can be as elaborate or simple as you please. Two Truths and a Lie or charades are familiar favorites, while more immersive experiences might include staging an old-fashioned murder mystery. Don't like dinner party games? Prepare some fun conversation topics to reference throughout the night.