10 Tips for Hosting a Dinner Party

Here are my top 10 tips for hosting a dinner party. The things on this list have helped me over the years and I hope they can help you too! These things can be stressful, but they don’t have to be.

 1. Sleep. The night before your event you will need plenty of rest. It will be tempting to stay up late working on tasks, but don’t do it! Go to bed early so you can wake up early and refreshed! What I do is set a bed time alarm and I stick to it. It is hard enough falling asleep with so much on my mind. No need to stay up even later!
2. Hydrate. We always need water, but try harder to remember as you’re running to and fro with your event. Headaches are often the cause of headaches, and this would really get in the way of your productivity– and make you cranky.


 3. Cleaning supplies. I think we know we need to clean, but just do a quick inventory and make sure you have everything you need. Trash bags, carpet cleaner, etc. These are items that when you are all out at a party, it can become an emergency.
 4. Empty dishwasher. If you have dishwasher, make sure it is completely empty. You can slowly load the dishwasher as the dishes stack up at the party. Start the dishwasher as soon as the last guest leaves!
 5. Prep. Make as much as you can the night or day before if possible. I made a quinoa black bean salad at my last party. I made the quinoa the night before, which saved me 20 minutes, and freed up a pot the next day to do other cooking.


 6. Ask for help. Do you have a close friend that is attending the party? Ask them to come early and help with set up. Or, if you need help with food, ask someone who is reliable and willing to come on time, to bring a dish. Don’t be afraid to ask!
 7. Make a menu. Planning and preparating is key. Write out a menu based on the guests, time of day, etc. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but this will also help you figure out your grocery list. No one likes making multiple trips to the store, afterall.
 8. Plan in advance. Where will you place furniture? Who are the guests that are attending? Do any guests have food allergies? Try to do a mental walk through of how the party will go and then take notes. It really helps!
 9. Practice. If any of the dishes are new or complicated, it is a good idea to practice the dish in advance. I can tell you from experience what a disaster it can be to try a new dish for the first time at an event and for it to not go well. You are generally safe trying an extremely simply dish out for the first time, but if the dish is complicated and also the main dish—this is too risky.


 10. Eat! It seems obvious and silly to say this, but when I’m cooking and prepping food I do not always think to eat. Before my last party, I made a smoothie for energy and to get something in my stomach, as was recommended by my good friend Green Regimen. It really helped and I felt great! Check him out here: http://www.youtube.com/greenregimen

Check out my latest video which goes along with these easy dinner party tips here:

So you’ll notice 3 out of 10 on my list have to do with taking care of yourself! Don’t run yourself ragged planning your party. I want you to have a good time and enjoy your guests. Those are my ten tips, what are some things that have worked for you in the past? Let me know.