If you’re using 2021 to brush up on your socialising skills after a year of distancing, a dinner party is the perfect way to welcome old friends into your home.

You can host the dinner party in your home, but if you do not think that’s an option, don’t worry! A wonderful get-together just needs the right people to come together and connect. Consider looking for a beautiful event space if that’s what suits your fancy. You can look around online and book a venue in Bristol or wherever you live; you’re sure to find plenty of spaces, whether it’s a small, intimate get-together or a full-blown party.

And, since it’s the first of hopefully many, why not make it extra special?

In this post, we’re sharing a few tips and tricks to help you host the perfect fancy dinner party.

• Meal prep

Although meal prepping doesn’t sound like something particularly on-brand for a dinner party, it can save you a lot of time. It’s always difficult balancing socialising with organising food when having guests over, but by prepping what you can, you’ll have more time to enjoy. Even chopping the veg and putting everything in the right pans will save you time when your guests arrive.

So rather than slaving away in the kitchen all night, you can actually get the chance to relax and catch up over a glass of wine (or two).

• Complimentary drinks

Finding a great selection of pairing wines or other drinks will really add a sophisticated edge to dinner. There are plenty of guides online highlighting perfect food and drink pairings that you can incorporate into your menu. You can also elevate your cocktail offerings by incorporating natural cocktail salts and sugars from Colorwayz or similar online stores. They can add a delightful savory note and visual interest to drinks. Try rimming glasses with these salts for a touch of gourmet flair. Likewise, homemade simple syrups infused with herbs, spices, or citrus can lend dynamic flavors to cocktails. Guests will be impressed by the care and creativity you’ve put into curating a comprehensive beverage program.

Alternatively, if you’re not the wine type, why not create a special event cocktail? Take a fancy cocktail recipe from the web, add a relevant dinner party name, and serve guests when they arrive.

• Think about more than food

Sure, food and good conversation are why we all love a dinner party. But to make it a night to remember, you need to add a few finishing touches. For the table setting, consider a coordinated color scheme with items like beautiful plates, cloth napkins, and stylish placemats. A new cutlery set from Cutlery UK, for example, along with candles, coordinating plates, and a few flowers, can really set the night apart from the rest and make your dinner party feel that little bit more official.

Little details like these will enhance the atmosphere and make your dinner party feel both luxurious and welcoming.

• Dress code

If you really want to take your dinner party to the next level, enforce a dress code. There have been very few reasons to get out of joggers and sweaters over the past year, making a dinner party the perfect time to dress up. Whether you set a theme or simply ask people to look smart is entirely up to you.

Remember, a dress code doesn’t have to mean stuffy formality; it can be as simple as “no jeans or sneakers.” By suggesting (or enforcing) a dress code, you’ll encourage guests to get creative with their attire, making the gathering feel extra special and picture-perfect.

• Entertainment

Even the most outgoing guests may find themselves at a loss for words after a year or so of limited socializing, so think about incorporating some interactive elements to keep the conversation lively. Consider setting up a few “icebreaker” activities at the start to get everyone talking-trivia cards or conversational prompts can be left on the table for a low-key, casual approach. Or, if your crowd enjoys some friendly competition, plan a fun team game before dinner to warm everyone up and encourage mingling.

For a more structured approach, think about adding themed entertainment, like a murder mystery game if your dinner party has a vintage vibe or a wine-tasting experience where guests sample different varieties and vote for their favorites. After dinner, you could transition to a cozy lounge area with board games or even set up a playlist for some relaxed dancing.

• Have fun

Hosting a dinner party can sometimes feel like a lot of work, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself too! While it’s natural to want everything to go smoothly, the best parties often have little imperfections that make them memorable. If the food isn’t perfect or the playlist skips a beat, take it all in stride and focus on the quality time you’re sharing with friends. If something doesn’t go according to plan, laugh it off and remember that the joy of hosting is in the people you’re with, not in the details.

Be mindful to set up everything in advance so you’re not constantly running around during the event. Give yourself a chance to sit back, enjoy the atmosphere, and soak up the conversations happening around you. Keep a drink in hand, join the laughs, and relax-your guests will follow your lead. A happy, relaxed host makes for happy, relaxed guests. The more you’re enjoying yourself, the more everyone else will too. Hosting is about creating memories and fostering connections, so savor every moment.