15 tips for hosting your first dinner party
Hosting your first dinner party is an exciting undertaking, filled with the thrill of planning and the anticipation of bringing your loved ones together. From designing dinner party invitations to curating a specific menu, creating a welcoming environment, and timing it all just right—there’s a lot to plan. But fear not! We’ve compiled a list of tips for hosting a dinner party that will make your first one a breeze.
Table of Contents
1. Give your party a theme
A dinner party theme can help guide your planning and make the process more manageable. It adds an exciting twist and informs your choices for invitations, decorations, food, and drinks, creating cohesion and connection.
We love cultural themes like an Italian feast or a French fête, cuisine favorites like a seafood boil or fondue party, and fun options like a casual game night or a garden party. If you want to get into the spirit of your theme, ask your guests to come dressed accordingly.
2. Curate an eclectic guest list
Part of the fun of planning a dinner party is the opportunity to introduce new people to each other. You likely have friends from everywhere—work, childhood, and mutual friends. Consider inviting a carefully curated group that you think will have common interests and enjoy each other’s company. Thoughtful planning helps ensure a lively, enjoyable evening where everyone feels comfortable and connected. After all, the more, the merrier!
3. Send invitations early
Sending dinner party invitations well in advance gives everyone time to make arrangements and ensure they can attend. It also gives you plenty of time to prep and plan, so things are just the way you want them. You’ll be able to comfortably confirm RSVPs, adjust the menu accordingly, and order any ingredients, supplies, or décor. An early invitation builds anticipation and excitement for the evening, making your dinner party feel special right from the start.
When it’s time to decide what to write in your dinner party invitation, make sure to include details like:
- The event time and date
- The location
- The dress code, if you have one
- RSVP instructions
With a Paperless Post invitation, you’re able to clearly state whether guests can bring other guests, allowing you to get an accurate headcount and begin the planning process.
4. Accommodate dietary restrictions
Hosting a successful dinner party requires planning for dietary requirements and restrictions to ensure that every guest feels cared for and included. Paperless Post makes it easy! Instead of texting guests individually, you can enable Guest Questions when you create your invitation, allowing you to ask about dietary restrictions directly. This way, you’ll collect all pertinent information upfront, giving you time to plan your menu and accommodate allergies, vegetarian preferences, or other restrictions.
5. Plan the menu
Let the fun begin! Planning a menu is your chance to get creative. If you’re confident in the kitchen, showcase your skills with dishes you’ve had bookmarked for months, or try Food & Wine’s flavor-packed paella, salmon with sour cream and onion hasselback potatoes from Bon Appétit, or a vibrant pita and kebab board by Camille Styles.
If you prefer to play it safe, stick to dishes you know well—especially ones guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. You could do make-your-own pizzas for a communal experience, put together some grilled chicken street tacos with all the toppings (both from Delish), or prepare a casual but classic Caesar salad from Bon Appétit and a side of crispy, salty fries. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the evening with your guests, so choose a menu that lets you feel relaxed and present at your party.
6. Hand off dessert to a guest
Since you’re providing the main meal, asking a guest (or two) to bring a little sweet treat is perfectly fine. Guests can bring pies, cookies, ice cream, cheesecake, cupcakes, or anything else they love baking. By outsourcing dessert, you’ll save time and give your guests an opportunity to get in on the fun.
7. Get primed and prepped
Organization and efficiency are the keys to minimizing stress on the day of your dinner party. Start by creating a detailed shopping list that includes all the ingredients you’ll need, plus extras like drinks, appetizers, and décor. Give yourself time to hit your favorite grocery stores so you’re not rushing to find that critical ingredient at the last minute.
When you get home, take care of the preparation: wash your ingredients, marinate any proteins, and start measuring out everything you need to make your dish. Trust us—you’ll be happy you did!
8. Splurge on proper wine glasses
If you’re hosting a more formal dinner, splurging on quality stemware can be a worthwhile investment. Elegant wine glasses don’t just add a lovely detail; they’ll elevate the entire experience for your guests. Consider them a gift to your future self—one that celebrates the success of your first dinner party and sets the tone for many more memorable evenings to come!
9. Order a case of wine
There’s nothing quite like a good bottle of wine, and ordering your favorite by the case is a smart way to save money while ensuring you’ll have plenty on hand for dinner. A nice glass of wine can help people relax and get the conversation flowing. However, if wine isn’t everyone’s preference, consider offering beer, a refreshing spritz, or non-alcoholic mocktails as well to accommodate a variety of tastes.
10. Make beverages fuss-free
With a little inspiration and some light prep work, guests can enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail—while you enjoy the evening. Mix up a signature drink ahead of time using simple pitcher cocktail recipes from Olive, or try a crowd-pleasing spiked punch bowl by Redbook. Add garnishes like fresh herbs or citrus slices so guests can serve themselves and customize their drinks just the way they like. Cheers to that!
11. Cut back on the cheese
Cheese can be filling and expensive when feeding a crowd. While it’s often the go-to appetizer for dinner parties, it’s wise to round out your suite of options. This way, your guests can enjoy a few bites and still have plenty of room for dinner. Consider light, flavorful snacks like olives, spiced nuts, pickled vegetables, or veggies and hummus. If you’re working with a theme, keep the apps coordinated for a cohesive menu.
12. Switch up the flowers
Put a twist on tradition and use herbs to spruce up your décor. Display fresh herbs in glass vessels, scatter them artfully across the table, or place them in mini herb pots for a rustic touch—and a charming take-home gift for your guests. And as a bonus, many herbs smell lovely. For an extra pop of color, arrange citrus fruits in decorative bowls to bring vibrancy to your table.
13. Up the ambiance with candles
Candles are a simple yet elegant way to make your first dinner party feel special, instantly creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Beautiful, tapered candles and elegant candle holders look lovely on any dinner table. If you prefer a more minimalist look, opt for thick pillar candles that stand out on their own, or try colorful, mismatched candles for a fun way to add whimsical flair. Candles are versatile, so pick your favorites and let their soft glow add magic to the evening.
14. Keep table settings simple
Simple table settings are a smart way to reduce stress and create a beautiful atmosphere. Start with a clean, neutral color scheme and DIY it by purchasing fabric to make your own tablecloth or runner. Choose a fabric that’s 24” wider and 24” longer than your table so the cut edge doesn’t show, or if you opt to make a table runner, fold it thin and iron the seams beneath it on either side so that it lays flat.
Use basic but classic dinnerware and place settings, and consider adding inexpensive, festive dish towels or fun paper napkins. Don’t overthink glassware—water glasses and wine glasses are all you need. Finish your table setting with place cards or let guests seat themselves. And just like that, it’s time to party!
15. Focus on the fun
After all the careful planning—sending invitations, selecting your menu, and arranging the décor—it’s time to relax, have fun, and savor the feeling of hosting your first dinner party. Be present, soak in the atmosphere you’ve created, and enjoy the company of your guests. Remember, the true magic of a dinner party lies in the laughter, conversations, and shared moments. You’ve earned the fun, and then some!
Become a dinner party pro with Paperless Post
Whether you’re preparing for a birthday dinner party or a Christmas dinner, learning how to plan a dinner party is an exciting adventure. By implementing a few clever tips and tricks, your guests will never guess it’s your first time.
With Paperless Post, choose from a variety of elegant dinner party invitations for every theme that will get your guests excited for your gathering. Customize your invitation to your liking, track RSVPs, and set yourself up for a night to remember.
Bring everyone together for a delicious meal with charming invitations you can email, text, or share. 
