There’s something magical about gathering everyone around the table. A seated dinner invites slower moments - the kind where conversation lingers and glasses stay topped off without anyone noticing. But hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to mean stress simmering on the back burner. With a little planning and a few thoughtful touches, you can create an evening that feels both effortless and unforgettable.
This week, we’re sharing our favorite ways to set the tone: from planning a guest-friendly menu to adding those subtle details that make the night feel special. These tips will help you move through the evening with ease - so you can savor the food, the laughter, and the company around your table
- Plan a Guest-Friendly Menu Consider your guests’ dietary needs and preferences when selecting dishes. Choose recipes you can confidently prepare or make ahead of time to minimize stress on the day of the party.
- Do a Test Run If it’s a new recipe, cook it once ahead of time. You’ll feel more confident and avoid surprises on the big night.
- Set the Table Early Lay out your plates, platters, and utensils early—or even the day before. Add candles and fresh flowers for a personal touch. A thoughtfully set table instantly brings calm.
- Keep Appetizers Simple & Crowd-Friendly Olives, nuts, and chips are quick, delicious, and require minimal effort - perfect for guests to nibble on before sitting for dinner.
- Decant & Chill Wine If serving wine with dinner, decant your reds (in our Egret Decanter) and chill your whites ahead of time. This ensures each bottle is at the perfect temperature and ready to enjoy when guests sit down.
- Keep Service Simple Serving family-style or buffet-style makes life easier for the host and lets guests take the portions they want. It’s stress-free, relaxed, and keeps the focus on enjoying the evening.
- Stay Calm & Enjoy Your energy sets the tone for the evening. Focus on connecting with your guests and let small imperfections add charm.
Extra Credit: Use Place Cards! Think about personalities and dynamics when seating guests—mixing friends with shared interests can spark fun, engaging conversation.
As the last plates are cleared and the candles burn low, remember that what your guests will carry with them isn’t the perfectly folded napkins or the timing of the entrées—it’s the way they felt at your table. When you give yourself permission to keep things simple, you make space for what matters most: connection, laughter, and the rare joy of being fully present. That’s the true heart of a dinner party.
xx,
Jen & Margaret
