I’ve been hosting dinners for over a decade now. Even when I was in university, I’d spend the whole day cooking and invite ten people into my tiny apartment for dinner. Hosting was my way to see all my favorite people, feed them good food and try new recipes.
Over the years, my cooking and hosting have evolved. I’ve learned how to do more with less time, how to make dinners flow, and how to create nights that feel effortless.
Hosting meals is one of my favorite things, and after years of experimenting, I’m putting together a series where I’ll share all things dinner parties: tips, tricks, sample menus, and everything else I’ve learned from years of cooking and gathering people around a table.
This first post is all about my top tips for hosting an effortless dinner.
Curate Your Guest List & Pick a Date
Start by deciding who you want to invite to your dinner. You don’t need everyone to know each other - in fact, it’s a great way for your friends to meet. Once you’ve decided who’s coming, make sure to check for any allergies or dietary restrictions before planning your menu.Pick a Theme
A loose theme ties everything together. Most of my dinners lean Italian (I am Italian), but seasonal themes like fall, summer, or Christmas also work beautifully and they’re a great way to highlight ingredients that are in season. It helps guide your menu, playlist, and even your decor.Plan Your Menu Early & Prep As Much As Possible in Advance
A great dinner party begins on paper. I typically plan for a few appetizers, a main, and a dessert. I like to mix things I can prepare in advance with at most one or two things I do in the moment.
Desserts (like gelato or cake), bread (focaccia or sourdough), salads (with the dressing on the side), and some appetizers (like tarts or charcuterie boards) are all easy to prep ahead. Mains (like homemade pasta) can be made in advance and frozen or stored in the fridge so they can come together quickly when guests arrive.
Make things easy for yourself: don’t try a brand-new or overly complex recipe for the first time. I’ll share more menu ideas and dishes in upcoming posts.
Print a Menu
It’s a small detail that makes the night feel special. A simple printed menu, even on plain paper, instantly elevates the experience and gets people excited for what’s coming next. I make mine on Canva (there are so many great templates) and print them at Staples.
Let AI Help You
Whether it’s curating a menu, tweaking a recipe, or brainstorming activities, ChatGPT can help! Last year, I used it to come up with pairings for cheeses, cured meats, jams, nuts, and olives I had. I printed the pairings on cards, and it turned into a really fun (and delicious) activity.
Make (or Buy) Good Bread
If it fits your menu, warm bread on the table makes everything better. I like making focaccia or sourdough and have dips (like ricotta), olive oil, jams or cured meats. It also doubles as the perfect companion for the inevitable scarpetta.
Design the Flow
Think about how you’ll move through the night. Ideally, you only get up once or twice. Make-ahead dishes are key because they let you actually join the conversation instead of being stuck at the stove. Guests usually arrive within 20 minutes of the time I set, so I always have snacks and drinks ready. Once everyone’s settled, we move from appetizers to the main (the only time I stand up), and then dessert.Set the Table Early
I set the table at least an hour before guests arrive. I like to label each serving dish with a Post-it note for what goes on it and when it’s time to plate, I just follow the plan and don’t have to think.Clean As You Go
A clean kitchen is key, especially in small spaces. I try to rinse pans, load the dishwasher, and wipe surfaces between steps. It keeps things calm while I cook and makes cleanup after dinner so much easier.Set the Vibe: Decor, Lighting & Music
A tablecloth, candles, and a few flowers go a long way. I love cozy lighting, especially in winter. Music matters too- I usually go for instrumental playlists at a low volume so everyone can hear each other easily.Add a Small Activity
I love including something interactive after dessert. For Christmas last year, we built gingerbread houses (they had zero structural integrity but were fun to make). On my birthday, I made cheese, bread, and jam pairing cards (with help from ChatGPT) and it turned into a fun, delicious tasting.
Those are my top tips for a smooth, memorable night. No dinner party will ever be perfect and that’s the point. Plan ahead, make it easy on yourself, and let the night unfold naturally. The best dinners are the ones where things don’t go exactly to plan but everyone leaves full and happy.
Next up in this series: I’ll share my menu for a fall themed dinner.
You put so much effort in! But looks like you’ve streamlined it so it’s as effortless as possible. I’m sure your guests love your dinner parties!