Keep Dinner Parties Easy with these Pro Tips

Organizing a dinner party can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our top tips for how to host and still enjoy the fun!

Prepare

Cleaning, shopping, cooking… do it all the day-of and you'll be exhausted before the first guest arrives. Throw yourself a bone and spread the prep over the days prior. If your work schedule is tight, look into using a grocery delivery service, or pick things like dessert up pre-made.

Involve everyone in the action

Involving guests in the cooking can add to a party atmosphere, so don't be afraid to throw them an apron. Many chefs in the kitchen can sometimes work a treat! Alternatively, tasking different guests with different aspects of the night works too. Just make sure you put someone who's punctual in charge of the starters. A room full of people with nothing to snack on is no fun!

Keep it simple

Unless you're a fan of a kitchen challenge, there's no need to overcomplicate the menu. Choosing pasta dishes that can be cooked en masse, salads and make-your-own pizzas will allow you to minimize cooking time, and keep your costs down.

 

Of course, we happen to think Coastermatic coasters are the real life of the party. Create your own set of conversation-starters here.

 

 

A fantasy dinner party with our favorite foodie Instagrammers

One of our favorite topics here in Coasterica is dinner-time conversation. The part of the day dedicated to sharing stories and ideas, with friends and family, new and old.

Inspired by all the amazing food photography on Instagram we thought we'd put together a dinner party inspired fantasy set. These four coasters represent an evening we'd love to attend, and the Instagrammers we think would make the best guests.

And now, the stories behind the photographers and their recipes:

Camille Styles

Based in Austin, TX

With Camille's talents for event design and culinary creativity she'd surely be a fantastic dinner guest. We think this appetizer of Crostini with ricotta, grilled peaches, prosciutto, honey would be a delicious way to start the meal.

Jeanine Donofrio

Based in Austin, TX

This colorful bean salad looks like the perfect dish for a summers evening. Although with Jeanine's love of seasonal food she'd know the perfect entrée for the time of year.

Aran Goyoaga

Based in Seattle, WA

After writing a book called Small Plates & Sweet Treats, we're sure that whatever Aran decided to bring would go down a treat but this dessert with freshly picked blueberries would make the best ending to this tasty evening. And with Aran's Basque Country influence, I'm sure she'd bring a fresh culinary perspective to the conversation.

Jen Gotch

Based in Los Angeles, CA

All we need now is something to drink, and this classic Gin & Tonic would make the perfect refreshing drink to toast with. At least, we assume the tonic is just out of the shot :) Jen's ethereal photography style would also be sure to document the evening with a blissfully dreamy feeling.

So that's it, what a wonderful evening! At least we imagine it would be. Know a great dinner guest we should feature? Let us on Twitter or Instagram.