How to Host Your First Dinner Party
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How to Host Your First Dinner Party

How to Host Your First Dinner Party

Do you know How to Host Your First Dinner Party? Throwing your first dinner party can be exciting, but also a little daunting! We frequently have get-togethers and invite friends over to our home. We love getting together with friends and family to celebrate any occasion or just to hang out for the evening. There is a true art to hosting the perfect party. There are so many factors to take into consideration. These questions are the first things to figure out before you even start planning. Planning a party can be time-consuming but parties are just so fun! This summer we are hosting a fun bonfire with lots of fun foods to roast and some delicious drinks to consume.

  • What kind of party will you have?
  • Who will you invite?
  • What will you serve?
  • When is the party?
How to Host Your First Dinner Party

Image from Depositphotos

Planning

  • Guest List: Keep it small for your first time, 4-6 people is ideal. Choose easygoing guests who know each other and will contribute to a good atmosphere. Send invites 2-3 weeks in advance.
  • Theme (Optional): Having a theme like “Italian Night” or “Taco Bar” can help guide your menu and decor. But it's not essential – keep it simple if you prefer.
  • Menu: Choose recipes you're comfortable with and prepare dishes that can be made ahead of time. Consider the dietary restrictions of your guests. Aim for a balanced meal with appetizers, main course, sides, and desserts.

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Setting the Stage

  • Ambiance: Create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Dim the lights, play calming music, and light candles (for safety, use flameless options). Add fresh flowers or a centerpiece to the table.
  • Table Setting: Keep it simple. Use chargers, plates, napkins, silverware, and glasses. Water glasses go on the top right, and wine glasses are above them. Fold napkins creatively!
  • Drinks: Offer a variety of options like water, juice, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages. Have ice readily available. Check out our Relaxer Cocktail below. It's a fave at our parties. 

How to Host Your First Dinner Party Relaxer Cocktail

The Night Of

  • Be flexible: Things might not go exactly as planned, and that's okay! Don't stress, roll with the punches, and have fun!
  • Be a good host: Mingle with your guests, make introductions, refill drinks, and clear plates as needed. Encourage conversation and create a positive atmosphere.
  • Relax and enjoy!: This is your party, so have fun! Savor the delicious food, good company, and the joy of hosting your first dinner party.

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Bonus Tips

  • Delegate tasks: Ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert to lighten the load.
  • Have some games or activities ready in case the conversation lulls.
  • Don't worry about perfection: Focus on creating a memorable experience, not a flawless one.
  • Clean up as you go: This will make the post-party tidying easier.

Remember: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your guests!

Resources

How to Host Your First Dinner Party Relaxer Cocktail Ingredients

Relaxer Cocktail

  • 1 oz Malibu Rum
  • 1 oz 7UP
  • 2 oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
  • Mint leaves

Muddle the mint. Shake the ingredients with ice. Pour in glass. Top off with ice and 7UP.

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Plan the Perfect Event This Summer

7UP, Canada Dry, and Squirt bring the spirit of summer fun to Safeway and Albertsons through an engaging customized party solution! DPSG brands have curated a mix of party tips based on unique micro-occasions. Pernod Ricard spirits brands highlight the complementary flavors that help you ‘find the perfect mix!' Find your perfect mix! Get more tips and tricks to fit your ideal summer gathering from DPSG. Need to stock up for your perfect party? Head to Safeway and Albertsons to stock up on DPSG and Pernod items for your summer gathering. We hope that this How to Host Your First Dinner Party post inspires you. 

How to Host Your First Dinner Party Relaxer Cocktail

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of DPSG Green Bottle at Safeway/Albertsons. The opinions and text are all mine.

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15 Comments Leave a Comment »

  1. The art of the summer cocktail is certainly a tricky one, alcohol can be a bit de-hydrating so to find a drink that is refreshing is a challenge, this certainly looks like it fits the bill! You can be my ‘mixologist’ the next time you are in NYC! 🙂

  2. Thanks for the recipe. It really looks like a great cocktail to enjoy with friends and family. The bonfire would add to the ambiance!

  3. That drink looks amazing!!! I so need one of those. Thanks 😀

  4. This drink looks really yummy. I love a drink with a little fruit added.

  5. I’ve had rum before, but it wasn’t Malibu. Also, I’ve never had any drink with mint leaves in it. Bet it’s good though and I can’t wait to try it.

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