How to throw the perfect holiday dinner party

Written by Sarah Harbaugh and Alexis Stutte

Photos by Canelle Vanderford.

Models: Sarah Harbaugh, Alexis Stutte, Abi Zajac, and Courtney Skornia.

Dinner parties no longer have to be long, boring, drawn-out meals; they can be a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of college or adult life. By following a few simple steps, you can throw a glamorous and fun holiday dinner. 

Pick a theme

The very first step to the perfect dinner party is picking the theme.The theme of the party should be relevant, classic, and simple enough for all your guests to follow. Inspiration for our dinner party includes “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and Audrey Hepburn, as well as a modernized twist on styles featured in “Bridgerton” and Jane Austen films. Adding simple decorations to the table to match the theme will help set the aesthetic of the dinner. Creating a playlist will set the mood and avoid any awkward silences. 

Set your guest list

Once you have picked a theme, it is essential to set a proper guest list. The guests should know about the party at least two to four weeks in advance of its date, so necessary preparations can happen. When creating a guest list, invite a variety of friends, including some who may not know each other to encourage new friendships and conversations. The party can range from something small and simple to a larger, more diverse group of friends. After the theme is picked, the guest list is created, and the party’s date and time is decided, send out your invitations t. Asking for RSVPs will help you prepare for the number of confirmed guests. 

Wine and dine

The next step is food and drink preparation. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to set up and prepare for the party. Consider a wide variety of food choices rather than just one option. Snacking and drinking is an essential part of facilitating conversations and movement throughout the night. Serve drinks first and have food options already set out on the table. Elegant finger foods can be more than just tiny sandwiches and olives.Mix it up with crowd favorites like chocolate-covered strawberries and charcuterie boards

Keep control over food. Once you ask people to bring dishes, you start to tread a thin line between a potluck and a properly prepared dinner party. Also, don’t forget to set out a couple of drink options that pair well with your meal. Sparkling cider is a great option for a nonalcoholic drink, and it’s a known people pleaser.

Have fun!

The last step is to throw the party! There is no reason to stress about this last step.Just allow the guests to mingle and serve them as best you can. Sit back, have fun, and watch the party unfold.