Planning a Dinner Party

Whether you are making a dinner for your family or throwing a big bash with friends, planning out your dinner party will keep you organized and ready to enjoy your time with others.

Where do you start?

It’s time to plan Sunday dinner with your kids and their families. Or maybe you’re planning a fun evening with a few friends and you want to make it unique and special. Where do you start? I usually like to start with a cuisine idea or a new recipe I want to try and build from there. Here’s are some quick questions to answer before you start.

1. How many people will be coming for dinner?
2. Does anyone have any diet restrictions?
3. Do I want to serve starters and cocktails?
4. Timeline? How much time do I need to prepare and cook?
5. Entertainment? Games, activities, discussions.

Guest to Food Ratio for your Dinner Party

You have figured out how many guests you will have over. The last thing you want is not having enough food and your guests go home hungry. Horrors! So how much food should you prepare without having leftovers for days? Here is my go-to formula.

Tips: Check how many servings your recipe will make to determine if you need to double the recipe or add another item. For example, your party is for 6 people. If your recipe states it will make 4 servings, you can either double the recipe or make two different complementary recipes.

Planning for guests with Dietary Restrictions

If your family is anything like mine, there are a few people who eat a specific diet. Whether they are vegetarian, pescatarian, or are avoiding gluten, you will want to make sure you serve something that they will be able to eat. That is one reason I may make 2 different entree recipes or have a dessert choice that does not contain gluten. It’s best to check if anyone has dietary restrictions before planning out your dinner party menu.

Cocktails and Starters for your Dinner Party

It never fails, you are busy with all the last minute dinner preparations and the doorbell rings. The early bird guest arrives and now you are in a scramble to get everything done before more show up. That’s why it’s great to have a few cocktails and starters ready at the get go. Your guests can relax and chat while you finish up the fabulous meal you have planned. Part of the fun when planning your menu is finding a cocktail or regional beer or wine that compliments your cuisine. Mexican night? Start with Margaritas. Serving a Puerto Rican dinner? How about a refreshing Pina Colada, the national drink of Puerto Rico. And don’t forget the beer and wine, find one that comes from the region of the food you are serving.

Planning your Dinner Party Menu

Now that you know the number of guests you are inviting and any dietary requirements they may have, it’s time to plan your menu. When I’m thinking about what to serve I usually start with the main course. Every other dish will build around that entree. If you are making a Puerto Rican inspired Shrimp Adobo for Sunday dinner, some great accompaniments might be Pina Coladas and Tostones to start, then some Red Beans and Rice along with Plantains for your sides and a creamy Flan to finish off the meal. Voila, you just planned a simple dinner menu.

Map out your Timeline

I remember when I first started to cook, getting an entire meal on the table at the same time was challenging. By the time the chicken was done, the green beans were cold and the potatoes were still needing to be mashed. Timing is definitely a skill that comes with practice. Therefore, mapping out a timeline is always a good idea.

After Dinner Entertainment

Dinner may be over but that doesn’t mean the party has to end. Planning some after dinner fun will give you the time to relax and enjoy your guests after being the hostess with the mostest. Don’t worry, those dishes can wait. Pull out a few games or even the Karaoke machine beforehand so you are not searching the closets for that deck of Uno cards. Some other fun ideas that may take a bit more planning might be a scavenger hunt, book club discussion, or even some hired entertainment depending on your event. The possibilities are endless.

Just have Fun

The ultimate goal of your dinner party is spending time with your favorite people and enjoying a lovely meal together. Sometimes everything comes together as planned, other times you are recruiting your guest to help you finish preparing the meal. Either way, just being together is the best gift of all. Enjoy!