MP’s Rules of Hosting
If you know me, you know I LOVE a good dinner party. Growing up, my parents always hosted BBQs, themed gatherings, holiday celebrations, and game day watch parties. My mom made it seem so low-stress and effortless, and I’m thankful I grew up with such a great example.
Hosting a memorable and meaningful dinner with family and friends can be so rewarding. I promise the more parties you have, the easier it gets. I truly believe the small details add up…. are these tips necessary? Absolutely not. But do they elevate your event? YAS!
Tips for Brides: I put everything I could think of hosting-wise on my registry, and it was such a hit! If you send me a text or email, I’m happy to share my Crate & Barrel registry! Here is an Amazon list I started that has some of my favorite kitchen and hosting items.
Step 1: Choose the right Invite and pick a theme
Digital Invitations such as Paperless Post or Evite which are both free apps! If youre having more than 10 people I highly suggest using one of these so you dont stress yourself out trying to keep track of everyone. The app also saves the event on Apple or Google Calendars with reminders. If less than 10 are attending, I usually make a Canva invite. They have some simple free options!
Details to Include:
Date & Time: Choose a date that works for most and set a start and end time.
Location: Provide clear directions and any parking info.
Dress Code: Suggest attire to match the theme (e.g., "Festive Floral” or “Pizza & PJs” ).
What to Bring: Specify if guests should bring anything (e.g., a bottle of wine, dessert, or a small dish).
When asking guests to bring something, I usually try and be specific so its not Italian Night and someone shows up with chips and salsa. I am SO thankful for all my friends because they are always happy to bring a side, bag of ice, dessert or WINE! ILY… you know who you are!
Is this considered simple?! Asking for a friend….
Step 2: Create a Checklist
Confirm Guest List: Make sure to confirm RSVPs so you know how much food to buy.
Menu Planning: Unless there's a food allergy or sensitivity, I usually cook what I'm in the mood for. (Side eye to the "I don't like mushrooms or tomato people.")
Shopping List: Write down everything you need, from groceries to decor items.
Here are some 2024 ideas I’m currently loving!
Build Your Own Pizza
French and Wine Pairing
Homemade Pasta Night
Garden Harvest Dinner
Step 3: Design Your Table to the Theme
Tablecloths & Runners: Over the years, I’ve collected tablecloths and runners during holiday or week sales at Hobby Lobby. It’s nice to have a few basics like white, pink, summer, and winter themes. Avoid the cheap ones—invest in good quality tablecloths that are easy to wash on delicate!
Centerpieces: Fresh flowers from your garden or grocery store bouquets split into smaller vases work wonders. Candles for dinner add so much warmth and
Place Settings: Use your best dishes and silverware. Mix and match if necessary, but keep it cohesive with similar color tones. Always use cloth napkins—they make a difference. I love the ones from Target. Napkin rings might not add much flair, but placing them on the plate rather than to the side with silverware on top looks great!
Glassware: Invest in beautiful wine glasses that you love. Handblown is the way to go for a touch of sophistication. Two high-end brands to consider are Riedel and Zalto. Ideally, you should have separate glasses for white and red wine. However, if you're on a space or price budget, there are versatile glasses that work as an "in-between."
Step 4: Set the Table
Step 5: During the Event
Welcome Drinks: Greet your guests with a signature cocktail or mocktail to set the tone for the evening.
Introduce Guests: Make sure everyone knows each other to create a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Serve Food: Serve dinner buffet-style or in courses, depending on your preference and the nature of the gathering.
Engage: Be present and engage with all your guests, ensuring everyone feels included and welcome.
Clean Up & Thank Yous: Hand-wash and return any plates or dishes people have brought to the event.
Step 6: Quick Clean… this is v controversial
Tidy Up During the Event: I personally clean up major messes as they happen, toss all garbage, load the dishwasher, and wipe down counters. You'll thank yourself the next day! Most of my girlfriends prefer to clean up the next day to enjoy the company more, but I get serious anxiety when I go to sleep with a messy ass house! Neither way is right or wrong, but if you want help, communicate it. Play some fun music and pour another drink—your friends won't judge!
Step 7: The Wrap Up
Send Thank You Texts: Send a thank you message to your guests, expressing how much you enjoyed their company and share the pictures from the event!
Hosting Checklist
1 Day Ahead
Clean house.
Prepare sauces, soups, and chilled items.
Chop, peel, and prep fruits & vegetables.
Morning of the Party
Prep garnishes and cover with a wet paper towel.
Pre-cook any food possible. This reduces stress immensely!
Set the table.
Afternoon of the Party
Tidy up, declutter, and spot-check decorations.
Assemble hors d'oeuvres and store them in the refrigerator.
Set outdoor decorations and lighting.
3 Hours Before
Set up kitchen equipment for cooking (pots, pans, serving plates).
Get yourself ready!
1 Hour Before
Adjust the thermostat. A fireplace sets a cozy winter mood!
Place water pitcher, butter, sauces, and salt & pepper on the table.
Start cooking what you can. I’m still figuring out how to keep things warm without overcooking, so no solid advice there!
30 Minutes Before
Turn on music and outdoor lighting.
Fill water glasses.
Decant wine if needed and take hard alcohol out of the freezer.
Light candles and adjust dimmers.
Fill the ice bucket.
Pre-heat oven if needed.
During the Party
Set out hors d'oeuvres when the first guest arrives. No one likes sweaty meat or cheese, so don’t set out too early.
Follow your written timeline for cooking and serving. I find having a paper recipe handy helps because my ADHD makes it easy to lose my phone while juggling conversations and serving.
Serve hors d'oeuvres 30 minutes into the cocktail hour. Serve dinner around one hour in; it drives me crazy when dinner is served at 8:30 pm on a weeknight unless specified as a late-night event.
As a social media lover, take pics!
Prior to seating, fill water glasses and serve dinner. Designate one or two people to help serve food. As the host, find an appropriate time after an hour to start clearing dinner plates and bring out dessert!
