How to Plan for a Dinner Party

Wondering how to plan for a dinner party? Need ideas on how to get started, small tasks to complete through the week and what to do on the day? We got your back! 

Planning a dinner party can be overwhelming. We get it! Over the years, I have planned hundreds of gatherings with friends and family (not even joking, we entertain at least once a week!) so over the years I’ve become pretty good at figuring out what to do, how to get organized and what key things you need to consider when you plan for a dinner party.

So today, I am really exciting to be sharing with you, my top tips to plan for a dinner party PLUS a FREE downloadable worksheet that will take you through the essential steps!

Ok, so I’m just going to let you in on a little secret! I am a teacher, and one of favorite part of lesson plan was making worksheets and checklists for my students! I just have so much fun doing it, which is why I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to make one for you guys!

This checklist takes you through what you need to do, one week prior to your dinner party, four, three, two, one day prior, and a checklist of the essentials things to do on the day!

I LOVE being organized, and I will say it once and continue to say it again! The secret to a successful dinner party is being ORGANIZED! Seriously, it reduces the stress so much!

That is why I’m sharing my go to checklist with you – I want to help you guys plan the perfect party! If you read my introduction to ‘Come Dine with Me‘ you will know that entertaining is one of my favorite things to do, and I want to share my love for cooking for people with you!

This list is quite comprehensive, so it’s perfect if you, like me LOVE checklists and to do lists! (click the image below to open the pdf!)

Out of all those tips, if I was to give you my top 3 take aways from this list it would be;

• Make sure you have enough plates, bowls, cutlery etc! There is nothing worse than realizing on the day that you don’t have enough wine glasses, or you have mis matched cutlery!
• Make a thorough shopping list! Guarenteed, you’ll probably forget one or two things (it happens every time), but having a thorough shopping list will save you so much hassle and stress! It’s a good idea to divide your list into sections – for example; meat, vegetables, groceries OR if you shop at different places, make a list for each individual store.
• Organize your cooking schedule – research your recipes. If a dish has to be marinated overnight, or has to cook for 3 hours, make sure you know that! No one likes eating at 10pm because you misjudged the cooking times (trust me, been there too!)

Seriously guys, entertaining is easy! It just takes a little careful planning, preparation and organization!

This month, I’m going to share my top tips to host a stress free dinner party! And, my first menu for you guys – a simple dinner menu for four!

With love – Georgie x x

Have I missed anything? 

I’d love to hear from you – what do you do to plan the perfect dinner party? What other helpful how to’s do you want to see from The Home Cook’s Kitchen?

Want Some Dinner Inspo for Your Next Party?

Thai Green Salad

Fish Tacos with Avocado Lime Cream

Grapefruit Lime Margaritas

Salmon Burgers with Wasabi Mayo

Citrus Ginger Dark & Stormy