For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to host a dinner party. You know, the kind where everyone comes together at the table and there’s this gorgeous table spread and everyone’s talking, drinking and just enjoying each other’s company. Well I did that, and it was so fun!
Drew and I {well mainly me} decided we would host our first ever Friendsgiving. Since 2020 has taken so much away from us, we thought it was perfect to come together with the one thing that 2020 hasn’t taken away, friends. With so much change and disruption happening almost daily in our lives, being able to take a few hours to just be in the moment was just what I needed.
So before, you jump on my case about hosting a party during a Pandemic, there were just six of us. We had all been taking precautions and were okay with gathering together. And you know what, it was so worth it.
I am not going to sugar coat things though, hosting a dinner party is fun, but a lot of work. That’s why I felt inspired to share some tips with you since the holidays are right around the corner and I’m sure you’re ready to spend this time with those you love.
Let’s get to it, shall we?
Tip #1 – Plan ahead, like way ahead.
I don’t want to overwhelm you with this one but planning ahead is key. I’ve hosted a lot of family gatherings, cookouts, Christmas parties in the past and one thing I always overlooked was just how much planning goes into hosting.
What I suggest is to first settle on a date. The last thing you want to do is get all excited about throwing your Friendsgiving dinner only to realize no one can make it due to other obligations. Set your date and then start thinking of your menu.
I choose to go with a traditional Thanksgiving spread but I’ve seen a lot of people do finger foods and appetizers for a more relaxed vibe. Whichever you prefer, just make sure your menu is set. My girlfriends were so amazing to offer to bring side dishes as well. It definitely took the burden off my plate to make the entire dinner. Whewww.
Tip #2 – Create an atmosphere
I’m all about creating a vibe. I want my friends to feel welcome and comfortable when they come over. When I host a get-together, in this case a Friendsgiving dinner, I spare no detail. I had my music playing, the candles lit and cocktails waiting for them when the arrived.
The details are what takes an ordinary dinner, to a dinner party level. You don’t need to have a chef-prepared meal or crystal champagne flutes, just make sure you are putting your unique touch on everything. For me, candles do the trick. I purchased these gorgeous black candlesticks and set them as the focal point of my table and added some faux pumpkins and acorn squash for a little fall-touch. It made for the perfect Friendsgiving dinner centerpiece.
Tip #3 – Have some appetizers ready to serve
Let’s face it, as much as you prep and plan, there will always be something you’re tending to last minute. Having some foods for your guests to munch on while you finish up in the kitchen is always a good idea. My best friend was dying to bring her charcuterie board {and I happily obliged}, I mean, who doesn’t love charcuterie, especially when it’s for a Friendsgiving dinner?
Tip #4 – Stow away any clutter
Okay, this one was a game changer for me. Let me explain. So one family Christmas dinner, a few years ago, my aunt and uncle hosted. They have this beautiful home that looks straight out of a Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I was so impressed with how perfect everything looked and my aunt said, “I don’t waste precious time cleaning up the junk mail and the random odds and ends stuff. I just put it in a little box, and stow it in the laundry room until the guests leave.”
My mind was blown! Why had I always thought she spent HOURS laboring over cleaning when all she really did was be more efficient with her time. From that point forward, I was not wasting hours tirelessly cleaning. Obviously I was going to clean, but I wasn’t going to spend hours and hours.
Here’s what I do now. I wash all the dishes after I’m done prepping the food. I run my dishwasher and then empty it. This allows me to have room for the dishes after dinner, but also that random pot or pan I had to pull out last minute, I can simply stow it in the dishwasher, out of sight while my guests are here. After they leave, I pull it out anything I don’t want to run in the dishwasher and hand wash. It keeps the kitchen free of clutter and mess.
This also goes for those pesky piles of junk mail that never seem to make it to the trash. I neatly store those things in our designated “junk drawer” and it’s out of sight, out of mind for the time being. Ah, pure bliss, right?
Tip #5 – Get ready first
This is another one that’s taken me some time to perfect, getting ready early. I used to spend the entire afternoon prepping food and doing last minute cleaning only to find that I had a mere 10 minutes to get ready before people started arriving. I felt so rushed, not able to do my hair or makeup and that only left me feeling blahhhh.
Don’t get me wrong, I do not wear makeup or get full glam every single day but when I’m taking the time to host a party, I’d like to make sure I feel great too. Take about an hour {or how ever long it takes you} to get ready. Turn your music on and get in your vibe. The last thing you want to feel is stress because you had to rush getting ready. You want to feel happy and stress-free by the time your guest arrive.
I hope these tips will help to inspire your next dinner party, I’m thinking a Christmas-themed party would be a great idea. Be sure to tag me on Instagram @marie_ruskin with your dinner party details. I always love seeing other ideas.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving friends!
♥ Feeling hungry? This one-pan meal will make your mouth water.
♥♥ Just in time for Christmas. This tip will elevate the look of your artificial tree.
