Dinner With Friends<\/a> \u201d on social media. The 8\u2013 to 10-person themed events held in hosts\u2019 homes now have wait lists in the hundreds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThrowing a dinner party \u2014 anything from a pot of chili to a multi-course feast \u2014 is a great way to build social connections, at a time when that can be hard to do. There\u2019s something about preparing and sharing a meal that bonds people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re just starting out, have no fear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You might not be ready for Michaud’s level of dinnery partying, but with some simple planning and a little effort, hosting your first group nosh needn’t be daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember: You\u2019re inviting friends \u2014 they already like you. You\u2019re doing it in your own place; you know your way around. And you\u2019re not trying to be Gatsby \u2014 it\u2019s supper with your besties. Just take it easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some ways to do that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set the Scene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Even without a proper dining table, you can host small groups around a counter, or even a large coffee table. Don\u2019t worry about matching glasses and plates; we\u2019re living in a more freewheeling era, where motley styles and mix \u2018n\u2019 match make as stylish a table setting as a full set of crockery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t have enough proper plates and utensils? There are cool, new, compostable alternatives to standard disposable plates and cutlery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some well-chosen supermarket flowers and simple candles are really all you need to create ambience. Jessie-Sierra Ross, a food and entertaining blogger in Holyoke, Massachusetts, advises arrangements of three or five \u2014 \u201cwe\u2019re wired to be attracted to odd-numbered groupings of items.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMusic sets the mood,\u201d notes Atlanta-based food blogger Erica Thomas. \u201cI always recommend planning it in advance. A fun tip is to ask your guests to send over two of their favorite songs, then create a playlist. Apple Music and Spotify offer \u2018dinner party\u2019 playlists.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have beverages at the ready<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you decide to provide cocktails, create a recipe that can be used in batches,\u201d advises Thomas. \u201cThat way, your guests can self-serve. When hosting a dinner party, it\u2019s all about elevating. Have a water self-serve station with fruit ice cubes, or lemon and basil. It\u2019s simple but will impress your guests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ross likes the idea of offering a homemade cocktail to get things rolling as guests arrive. A favorite: grapefruit Aperol spritz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also suggests setting up a spritz bar with all the fixings. \u201cGuests can play at-home mixologist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what\u2019s for dinner?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose a menu theme, and go with the tried-and-true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real Simple editor Lisa Milbrand suggests picking a favorite place in the world for some sample dishes: Italian lasagna, French crepes, Japanese noodles, Greek orzo, Korean bibimbap, or Chinese dumplings and rice, for example. Or have a little fun with time travel \u2014 maybe \u201970s-era cheese fondues and casseroles, or sample medieval fare like savory pies, fruits and honeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michaud\u2019s themes have included a Lebanese-Indian feast that featured hummus, curry, labneh and pistachio almond cake, washed down with a fizzy spiced apple cardamom cocktail. Yum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep it simple. \u201cPasta is great because it\u2019s easy to accommodate dietary restrictions \u2014 you can use gluten-free noodles, avoid dairy, and choose to include a protein or not. It\u2019s fail-proof,\u201d says Thomas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI recommend using a go-to recipe that you know is reliable,\u201d she continued. \u201cAvoid experimenting with new dishes on the day of the event…. If you want to try a new dish, practice it a few weeks in advance to perfect it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pre-cook as much as you can<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a firm believer in making as much ahead of time as possible,\u201d says Real Simple\u2019s Jenna Helwig. \u201cMy personal dinner-party go-to is either butternut squash lasagna or sausage and broccoli rabe baked rigatoni. I assemble them up to a day ahead, they bake as people arrive, and all I have to do before dinner is toss together a salad with dressing made earlier in the day. Nobody\u2019s ever complained!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider focusing your efforts on one or two dishes, what Ross calls stars of the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt could be a beautiful piece of beef tenderloin or a decadent flourless chocolate cake. Choose recipes that create maximum impact at the table for everyone to enjoy, then choose less time-intensive recipes for the rest of the menu,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another great option, especially for your picky eaters: an assemble-your-own dinner. Think custom pizzas, salads, sandwiches or tacos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, \u201cplan your menu by thinking seasonally,\u201d advises Ross. See what\u2019s fresh and in season for the best prices and quality. Got a good fish market near you? Baked, buttered cod takes only 20 minutes. Berries in season? Berry bowls with coconut whipped cream could be a nice finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bellinger has found a not-so-secret weapon. \u201cOne of my favorite tools is my Instapot! It\u2019s so easy to pop everything in and hit the button before friends come, so I can actually enjoy the party instead of cooking the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n\n\n\n
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New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The Associated Press. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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