How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
With searches for ‘summer dinner party ideas’ up 550% in the past three months1, and TikTok boasting over 50 million views under dinner party themes, such as, #birthdaydinnersetup and #pistachiothemeddinner2, hosting is clearly having its moment.
This summer, luxury furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse is putting the dinner party at the heart of the home, celebrating togetherness and style, while helping people make the most of their space, whether they rent or own.
Lena Giersakina, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, comments,
“We’re seeing a real resurgence in home entertaining. More people are investing in their dining areas, and our recent garden report3 revealed that over half of UK households now use their outdoor space for hosting. The home is once again a hub for connection and creativity.”
Speaking to Barker and Stonehouse, hosting influencer, Matilda Bea, explains, “People are craving connection and comfort, and dinner parties offer both. It’s about more than just food, it’s the joy of gathering, the creativity in hosting, and building memories together. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to feel personal and welcoming.”
Partnering with Matilda and The UK’s queen of etiquette, Laura Windsor, Barker and Stonehouse reveals the dos and don’ts of modern dinner party etiquette, from how long to delay a meal to why flowers might actually be the wrong gift to bring.
Arrive 10-15 minutes after the designated time.
Laura says showing up early to a dinner party is considered rude and is a clear sign that you do not normally host parties.
“If the invitation says 7.15p.m, guests should arrive between 10 and 15 minutes later. If you turn up early, the hosts may not yet be dressed or may want to take a 10-minute breather before the party starts.
If you’re going to be more than fifteen minutes late, call, explain quickly, and give the host an ETA. It’s all about managing expectations. This allows the host to decide what to do next. However, the host should not be expected to delay the meal longer than fifteen minutes for a latecomer.”
Keep the menu simple.
Serve food and refreshments you know will work and keep the menu simple, according to aura.
“The important thing is not to overwhelm the palate. If you decide to prepare a heavy main course, keep the first course and pudding light, even cold. A cold starter and a salad with interesting ingredients is a good option.
Matilda adds, “Go for crowd-pleasers that are easy to prep in advance, such as family-styledishes like big salads, pasta bakes, or sharing boards always work. They’re casual, comforting, and allow guests to serve themselves. Pair with themed cocktails or a drinks station for a simple yet elevated experience”
Gifts should be thoughtful, but don’t bring flowers.
It is of course extremely rude to turn up to anyone’s house empty-handed, but certain gifts are better than others, according to Laura.
“It’s nice to present the host with a token of appreciation. A gift doesn’t need to be extravagant. It needs to be thoughtful, so make sure you are certain that the gift is something the host would really like to receive.
Appropriate gifts are unscented candles, a book, plants, preserves, chocolates, a bottle of wine, and gift soaps.”, she says.
However, if you know your host loves flowers, you shouldn’t bring them to the dinner party.
“Send them ahead of the party or after the event so that the host doesn’t have to stop what s/he is doing to tend to them, unless of course they have help.”, claims Laura.
Separate loud personalities.
Seating plans may seem a little formal, but Laura explains it will help with the flow of the evening and conversation.
“A seating plan is particularly useful when there are more than half a dozen guests as good conversation should be balanced. You can divide guests by personalities. Mix shy people with the more talkative ones, and if the table is rectangular, the hosts should sit at opposite ends of the table. The guest of honour should always sit to the host’s right.”, she explains.
Keep the group intimate.
You should never ask for a plus one, claims Laura.
“If a guest requests a plus one, the host has every right to refuse politely if they feel strongly about it. If the host wanted you to bring a plus one, it would have been mentioned on the invitation, so respect the host’s wishes!”
Don’t overcomplicate the evening.
Keeping things simple is the key to a successful dinner party, according to Matilda.
“I try to avoid overloading the itinerary or overcomplicating the food. Hosting shouldn’t be stressful. Keep it relaxed and low-effort with high-impact moments, like a grazing board or pre-mixed drinks. I never plan so much that you’re stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun either.”
For further dinner party hosting, styling and etiquette tips, visit https://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/yourhouse/dinner-party-hosting-guide