The #HostfulHack Dinner Party Checklist

After the holidays pass us, it seems a freeze takes over. Of course, there’s the literal freeze of a cold, harsh winter, but there’s also a chill that happens socially. After months of convivial, festive get-togethers, inviting people in seems to go on a hiatus. All of a sudden, it feels like a hassle to invite people into our homes and host – all the cleaning, cooking, preparing. But what if we told you that it’s so important to keep connecting, even after a season of socializing? Inviting people into our homes continues to nurture those intimate relationships in our lives and continues to feed our souls with the connection that they crave. So, let’s simplify what it means to host a dinner party – with the easiest #HostfulHack Dinner Party Checklist.

two women setting dining room table; dinner party checklist

Let’s break it down.

It’s always overwhelming to think of things as one big picture. A dinner party involves food, beverages, table settings, a clean house…

It makes sense that it feels like too much after a season of abundance. So, let’s make this simpler with a few statements.

We’ve broken down our #HostfulHack Dinner Party Checklist into three sections to help further break down the hosting process – and only focus on what matters.

Dinner Party Checklist: Two Days Before

1.) Clean all areas guests will mingle. Read: the whole house does not need to be spotless.

When cleaning prior to hosting, focus on the areas you plan to have guests. Don’t worry about the upstairs if you don’t plan on having guests in that area of your house, and not every bathroom needs to be clean.

Once you’ve determined your cleaning zone, we love using the basket hack for quick and easy pick up. Another way to make a room look immediately cleaner is to keep the countertops/tabletops clear. If you need to have items on there that aren’t decorative (such as a vase with florals), try organizing with a tray to give your items “boundaries.”

2.) Finalize menu and do your grocery shopping.

Too many times, we’ve tried going grocery shopping for a dinner party earlier than a few days before, and our fresh produce doesn’t look quite as appetizing when we go to use it. Stick to one or two days before your gathering to do the grocery shopping. Short on time? Order grocery pick up (most stores offer that now!).

3.) Stock your bar.

We suggest going with three basics: a red wine, white wine, and bubbly wine. You can’t really go wrong! For a simple, everyday red wine, a Beaujolais is a great choice while a Pinot Gris is a white that pairs well with many flavors.

Blonde in blue and pink floral dress holding a glass bottle of Trader Joe's pomegranate juice

Dinner Party Checklist: One Day Before

1.) Fill and run your dishwasher. This will clear your sink and countertops while also ensuring you have the right kitchenware and dinnerware ready to go.

woman opening whirlpool dishwasher; dinner party checklist

2.) Set the table.

This takes one big task and checks it off your to-do list. We like to wait until after dinner (and, if you have little ones, once they go to bed) to do this task so that you have a quiet time to style your table and collect your thoughts. If you notice you’re missing anything (napkins, salt and pepper, etc.) then you’ll find out the night before and not right before guests arrive.

3.) Fill a pitcher with water and place in your refrigerator.

You’ll have ice-cold water ready to go when guests arrive. If you’re serving a specialty beverage, mix it ahead of time and place in your refrigerator to chill, as well.

olive green recycled glass pitcher as home decor for a calming space

Shop Pitchers

4.) Prep any make-ahead food and review any new recipes.

Incorporating recipes that are able to be prepared ahead of time (or, better yet, are Halfway Homemade) creates less of a burden on the day of your gathering. Also, we recommend reviewing any new recipes so that you know what you’re getting into. Some recipes call for overnight chilling, special equipment, or other time-consuming directions, so be sure to breeze through the ingredients and directions at least a day before your dinner party.

Dinner Party Checklist: Day Of

1.) Unload your dishwasher.

Not only will you likely need some clean items from your dishwasher on the day of your dinner party, having an empty dishwasher will also come in handy while prepping. As you prepare food and beverages in the kitchen, load your dishwasher as you go. This will keep your sink and countertops clear and tidy.

2.) Prepare your meal.

(Hopefully, you’ve already been able to make some pieces of the meal ahead of time!)

3.) Set an ambiance.

Create an inviting environment with an instrumental playlist for background music and candlelight. Dim or turn off overhead lighting, if possible, and use accentual floor and table lamps for a relaxed atmosphere.