How to Host a Stress-Free Dinner Party

Hosting a dinner party can be both exciting and stressful. You'll find yourself loving the comfort and control of being at home. But also exhausted and hating yourself for inviting everyone over. Entertaining can be a love-hate relationship. You love hosting and having people in your home. But you hate the cleaning, the preparation, and the lingering souls that just won't leave at one in the morning.

If you're not a natural in the kitchen, a social extrovert, or an avid entertainer, you can find yourself anxious and stressed preparing for a dinner party that you hope will impress your family, friends - or even worse - co-workers and clients. But don't worry, there are several things you can do to host a fabulous dinner party that's stress-free for you and enjoyable for your guests.

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How to Host a Stress-Free Dinner Party:

Create a DIY Wine/Cocktail Bar

Playing hostess for the evening means you are going to be busy. You can't be everywhere at once - greeting guests, serving guests, entertaining guests, etc. Create an experience for your guests by setting up a self-serve wine and do-it-yourself cocktail bar. Guests should be able to create their own cocktail or try out new wines. Having an experience like this will help your guests loosen up when they arrive. It also gives them a connecting point for conversation with guests who they may not be too familiar with.

Invest in White Slipcovers

Worried your furniture isn't up to par with what your guests will expect? You've been meaning to get that sofa re-upholstered and buy some new dining room chairs...but you just haven't gotten to it yet. Or maybe you're concerned about the red wine and the new, expensive furniture you just bought. My advice - invest in white slipcovers. They are easy to bleach if stained and give an instant facelift to any piece of furniture.

Set the Table & Keep it Simple

Let's admit and accept the fact that you are not a decorator. That's ok. You are great at a lot of things but maybe the finer things - like setting a table or matching pillows - escapes your realm of know-how. Let me tell you - simple can absolutely be stylish! In fact, creating an overly formal table setting with lots of silverware can make your guests uncomfortable. Stick with all-white for your place setting and use only what you need - a water glass, white plate, cotton bistro napkin, and silverware.

Light the Way

Think about your guest's experience. If they are going to be arriving at night, is there enough light for them to see where and how to get to the front door? If not, consider lining your driveway or sidewalk with path lighting or adding some sort of outdoor light. Make sure the pathways and hallways in your home are lit enough for your guests to move around to areas they need - especially the bathroom. Guests shouldn't have to fumble around in the dark to find a light switch.

Stick with what you Know

Don't try to attempt a new recipe on the night of your dinner party. Stick with something you're comfortable making and you know will make a big hit. This will help reduce stress in preparing food for multiple people. If you can plan ahead, make things the day before so you can spend time with friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen cooking.

Ask for Help

Involve your guests by asking them to bring appetizers, sides, or even dessert. This will free you up to focus on making the main course, and you won't be stressed trying to juggling a million different dishes. After all, you're not just preparing the meal for your dinner party, you're also preparing yourself, your home, and the entertainment for the evening. Don't be afraid to ask for a little help!

Relax and Smile

The best part of hosting a dinner party at your home is that - you're home. You are in your environment. Relax and enjoy being comfortable in your own home. If you're relaxed, your guests will follow your cue and feel relaxed too.

Hosting a dinner party is a great way to reconnect with old friends, entertain possible clients, or host a Holiday with family. You'll be excited to have friends over and even more ecstatic when the evening ends and you can simply fall into bed! Happy Entertaining!

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