8 Tips for Hosting a Slow and Social Distanced Dinner Party
Remember the lost art of a dinner party? Where there were name cards indicating where you take a seat, and invitations sent, not through evite, but through an actual stamp and envelope. And in a time of what feels to be absolute chaos in our world today, we need respite from the world’s constant and beckoning noise. There has never been a better time to embrace a slowing down of life. And remember, just because it’s slow doesn’t mean it’s not full. You can have a full life and approach it with a slow mindset. And what better way to kick off a slower life than a properly hosted dinner party.
1) Guest List
- Think about who you are inviting and what the goal is for the party. If you have an extended group of friends and you want to create a time for these different friend groups to connect, invite from all your friend groups and make sure to strategically seat them. If your goal is to keep it small and intimate, make sure to pull from the same close friend group.
2) Invitations
- Screens dominate EVERYTHING, especially during this time of social distancing. I know you can easily send out an ‘Evite’ or a Facebook event invite, but take the extra time to send some hand written cards. We’ve lost the art of handwriting a letter to someone you love so let this be your opportunity to let someone know that you’re taking the extra step to make them feel special.
3) Set Your Menu through a Main Dish
- Here’s where the real fun begins. Choosing your menu. Since we’re emphasizing a slower approach, try something in the slow cooker, like a delicious pot roast. Half-baked Harvest is my absolute favorite website to pull recipes from - here’s a list of some slow cooker recipes to try that look mouth watering. You can start pulling in side dishes once you’ve decided on your main dish.
4) Seating
- Depending on the previously discussed goals of your dinner party, creating a seating chart will help your guests feel like they belong. Again, handprinted adds that extra special touch. Try buying a folded T.P. placard with their name written on the front. If you have bad handwriting and can’t bear to reveal it, try asking a friend who’s attending or last resort, find a cute design online and print them out.
5) Libations
- Is this not your favorite part of hosting a dinner party?! Finding the perfect cocktail to pair your delicious food. Start the night out with a featured cocktail that your guests and enjoy and mingle too, with some light appetizers. These prosciutto-wrapped dates with goat cheese are my all time favorite!
6) Decor and Final Details
- You will be spending a few extra bucks on a dinner party but you can still be wise with where you are spending. Cut some corners (and clean up) and grab some plastic gold plates and silverware from Amazon. Strike the happy balance between thoughtfully curated and practical. Add a centerpiece that matches the theme of the night. If you’re going elegant, pick up some flowers for the centerpiece. If you’re going rustic, pick up some cut out wood centerpieces from Michael’s and add assorted candles. Pro Tip* 99 cent store has some great, cheap options for adding to the decor.
7) Entertainment
- Have some ideas for entertaining your guests while they’re with you. Whether it’s charades at the end of the night or something as creative as putting an ice breaker question on the inside of each person’s name placard to kick off some conversation, have something the guests can look forward.
8) Music to set the Mood
- One of my favorite parts of special evenings out is the mood music that accompanies it. Live music is the ultimate treat, but no one is expecting you to book a three piece band for your at home dinner party (on a budget). Feel out what you want the vibe to be and get on Spotify’s curated playlists to pick just the right mood. If you’re struggling with finding the right playlist, check out this 4 hour playlist of background music
Bonus Tips
- In between courses, have something to cleanse the palate. Crackers or even small bowls of sherbet are great for this.
- If you don’t feel comfortable with hosting in your home yet, look up some parks in your area and make it a hosted dinner party picnic.
- The most important thing is to have fun with it!! It’s amazing how much you can cultivate deeper connections within your community just by simply cooking them a homecooked meal.