How To Host A Simple Summer Dinner Party

June 22, 2019
by Hattie ReFresh with HelloFresh

    This week marked the end of ReFresh with HelloFresh and what a journey it has been. With 3 weeks of practising new recipes and discovering some new tips and tricks in the kitchen, you’re starting to feel your confidence grow in the kitchen. 

    Summertime, with the longer days and (fingers crossed) sunshine, has us all eager for a bit of socialising. And since you’ve upped your confidence in the kitchen, why not host a dinner party or cook for someone to show off these new skills? 

    Now, if reading ‘dinner party’ struck fear in your heart. We get it. Hosting a dinner party is stressful. That’s just the way it is. Right?

    Wrong! A dinner party doesn’t have to be stressful. It comes from being underprepared in the kitchen, which, thanks to ReFresh with HelloFresh, you absolutely are not. Armed with these 6 simple tips you’ll be a stress-free host able to fully enjoy the evening and celebrate the food you’ve prepared. 

    1. Get Strategic with Menu Planning 

    Make sure you’ve chosen recipes that are suitable for a crowd. 

    Dishes that require a lot of assembling like burgers will mean you spend longer in the kitchen, so why not bring all elements of the dish to the table and have the guests assemble the meal themselves? A hands-on activity is always a good ice-breaker. 

    It’s also wise to pick a main that doesn’t take too long. Our Prawn and Chorizo Spaghetti is a super simple one-pan dish that looks impressive but only takes 25 minutes to prep, making it perfect for dinner parties.

    2. Set an Ambience 

    Making your table look special doesn’t have to be expensive. Some fresh flowers can go a long way and never underestimate the power of lighting. Scattering votive candles around the table can make for an intimate dinner setting. 

    3. Have plenty of drinks

    The secret to every successful dinner party? Wine! We’re just kidding. But having more drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – than necessary is always the best way to go. Plus you can always save it for your next dinner party.

    Try our Gin and Tonics with a Twist recipe to really impress your guests!

    4. Make a playlist

    Music can really change people’s moods. Whatever the genre, make it peaceful and slow for the eating period as it will prompt guests to really take their time with the food and enjoy it. 

    A guaranteed way to choose music your guests will enjoy is to ask people for their favourite song which you can play during the evening. This will make them feel special and liven their mood.

    5. Sit down and enjoy

    Since your menu is planned and the serving of it, you have time to actually enjoy the meal too. You deserve the chance to eat and spend time with your guests. No one wants to be at a dinner party where the host spends most of the evening flapping in the kitchen. 

    6. Finally. Never, ever apologise about the food. Especially when it looks this good

    When hosting your first dinner party it’s easy to be self-deprecating even if you’ve smashed out a Pork Ragu Pappardelle or Pepper Crusted Venison with Braised Fennel and Red Wine Jus, just because it’s your first time. Don’t! Take the compliments on board (we guarantee there will be many) and bask in your new cooking expertise, you’ve earned it. 

    More dinner party recipe ideas

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