6 Types of Dinner Parties: Explained
“There’s more than one way to skin a cat.”
A slightly alarming image, but nonetheless, this age-old remark rings especially true when it comes to hosting.
For the modern host, we’re glad to share that there are a myriad of ways to make magic with as little as one bouquet of flowers to as much as a 12-piece set of heirloom china.
Entertaining is all about finding the sweet spot that suits you so that you can host your party & enjoy it too.
We’re sharing 6 unique dinner party styles that keep things fresh and fun for a variety of occasions – but in our book, there’s no occasion or national holiday necessary to validate the need for a gathering.
1. Potluck Party
When in doubt, potluck your heart out. There’s a few simple ways to elevate the old school potluck and transform the concerning picnic tables covered in all sorts of mystery casseroles into a beautiful tablescape guests will be chomping at the bit to make second and third rounds. First, theme the potluck. Ask guests to bring their favorite family recipe or have everyone prepare the latest save to their “food” collection on their IG. Second, tablescape is key. To create the ambiance of careful curation (without you having to prepare 13 dishes), always set the table with a tablecloth, florals, candles, and other on-theme additions that will add the host to your most. Lastly, if time permits, send e-invites and menus. Our À La Carte kits provide customizable options that make it effortless to elevate any gathering. Be sure to make a note on the invite that guests should RSVP with the dish they plan to bring.
2. Make It Takeout
Even the Inas and Marthas of the world have those days when cooking feels like a mission impossible. On nights like these, allow Yelp to step in as your co-host with the most, ushering you and your guests to the curated parties you crave (with half of the work already done for you). Ordering in is not only convenient, but it’s nostalgic, delicious, and perfect for exploring new cuisines with your favorite people – not to mention, it’s an amazing way to support local. While the chef at your local eatery is prepping the dinner to your party, set the table with place settings and serving platters upon which you will transfer the chef’s finest. This simple step elevates the takeout experience so much so, you and your guests will be fine-dining-in every weekend.
3. Family-Style Feast
Cozy, communal and always a guest-favorite, the family-style dinner is one that need not be slept on. These larger-format, “please-pass-the-bread” experiences encourage sharing, storytelling and savoring (both the tastes & the moment). Our family grew up celebrating Sunday Supper and as we’ve grown older, this sacred time at the end of the week has become just as special now as it was back then. Whether it’s a large pot of pasta, a taco bar, or a roast chicken – sitting down with chosen family and friends over a large meal is good for the soul. Pass the plates, share the laughter, and savor the joy of a shared dining experience.
4. A Multi-Course Meal
While we all have days where a night-off is exactly what the doctor ordered, we also experience moments when productivity could be our middle name. When you’re feeling an extra dose of ambition and want to channel that into a form that’ll impress your guests for months if not years to come, host a multi-course dinner. This classic format is perfect for a visit from the in-laws, a meet-and-greet with the boss, and a totally unnecessary but absolutely worthwhile evening of elevation with friends. To make things miles more effortless than past generations had it, we’ve curated a collection of digital dinner party guides that include timelines, shopping lists, playlists, tablescape how-tos, and more – multi-course may become your new best friend.
5. Heavy Apps
While we did just vouch for dinner parties of the formal affair type, we’re also here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way. Casual and laidback is an entirely acceptable ambiance when it comes to entertaining and we love to make these evenings pop with a menu of heavy apps – in short, ditch the main course and go all-in on adult-acceptable finger foods. From sliders and skewers to bite-sized delights, this style is all about creating a flavor-packed mini buffet perfect for mingling, trying different bites, and enjoying company in a more relaxed setting. There’s nothing we love more than a snacky dinner and this type of dinner party is built for long chats with girlfriends about the newest Vanderpump drama. We don’t choose favorites, but if we did… this would be it.
6. Happy Hours & Nightcaps
If you’re new to entertaining, this is the style for you. Rather than hosting a full meal (although we have just the thing if you’re feeling ambitious) or resorting to a dinner-out (and we love a good restaurant experience), hosting a happy hour or night cap at home allows you to step into the host with the most role while skipping the overwhelm involved in a full dinner party. We call this the gateway dinner – once you host one, you can’t stop. Our blog contains an array of small bites and sweet sips that’ll bring out your inner Martha so simply select a few recipes, get to prepping, and you're well on your way to bringing the dinner party back.
When it comes to hosting a dinner party, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Mix it up, get creative, and let your personal hosting style shine through. Remember, the heart of any dinner party is the good food, great company, and memorable moments.
