The only thing better than enjoying a delicious meal is enjoying a delicious meal with people you love.  From the bustling atmosphere to the jovial conversations, a full dinner table is a delight.  However, hosting a big dinner is a big task, and one that requires a certain amount of planning and ultimately— finesse.  

Whether you’re celebrating a family member’s graduation, a birthday, or simply gathering for the pleasure of gathering, here are some of the best tips for hosting a successful big dinner. 

Create a Guest List

The first step is deciding who you would like to attend and sending out invitations accordingly.  Remember, part of your job as a host is to choose a group of people that fits well together.  Bringing together a clashing combination of people won’t just detract from your experience but also from your guests experience.  

Choose a group of people that you know will have interesting conversations with each other and know how to socialize without your help.  If you have guests who need you to hold their hand to feel comfortable in a group then it’s going to be difficult for you to enjoy your event independently.

Above all, make sure you invite guests who you know will behave themselves.  We all have that “one” friend or family member who tends to have a few too many drinks.  The last thing you want is a guest getting into a car accident after your dinner party because they drank too much.  Choose your guests wisely!

Create a Loose Timeline

The art of hosting is all about creating a timeline without your guests noticing.  In other words, before everyone arrives you should have a loose itinerary of what should happen when.  From the aperitifs to the starters, to the conversations in between, it helps to have a practical timeline to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Be realistic about how much you can accomplish in a certain window of time, and remember to be flexible!  

Keep it Simple

When you’re hosting for a large group of people, it helps to keep your menu simple.  Consider dishes that can be prepared in advance so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.

Consider Your Guests Dietary Restrictions

Not everyone eats meat, or dairy, and some people may have full fledged allergies.  A gracious host knows the importance of asking your guests beforehand if there are any foods they don’t or can’t eat, and create your menu accordingly.  

If you have guests with multiple dietary restrictions, consider making a few different versions of your main dish, or create a variety of sides.  That way, your guests can build their own plate, adding ingredients as they please.

Anna Jones
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