How to plan a dinner party
A dinner party is the smallest party to plan and the easiest to overcomplicate. Pick a menu you can partly make ahead, ask what guests don't eat, and give the evening a gentle rhythm of drinks, starter, main and dessert.
Dinner party checklist
6 weeks before
- Draft the guest list
4 weeks before
- Send invitations
- Choose the menu
2 weeks before
- Chase RSVPs from anyone who hasn't replied
7 days before
- Lock the headcount
- Collect allergy and dietary notes
- Buy decorations and non-perishables
- Draft the party-day run of show
1 day before
- Cook anything that can be made ahead
- Buy perishables and ice
Party day
- Set up décor and the space
- Set the table
2 days after
- Send thank-you notes
- Share photos with guests
Add your date, guest count and budget and get this checklist with real due dates, plus a menu that respects dietary needs.
Plan mine freeHow to split the budget
A typical split for a dinner party, shown for 8 guests and a $250 budget. The percentages hold at any size.
| Category | Share | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 55% | $135 |
| Drinks | 25% | $60 |
| Table & flowers | 10% | $25 |
| Buffer | 10% | $30 |
Party-day schedule
A 3-hour party starting at 3:00 PM.
- 2:00 PMSet up the space and décor
- 2:45 PMFinal walk-through, music on
- 3:00 PMDrinks and nibbles
- 3:45 PMStarter
- 4:15 PMMain course
- 5:00 PMDessert and coffee
- 6:00 PMParty ends, start clean-up
Menu ideas
- Seasonal salad
- Roast chicken with herbs
- Garlic roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread and butter
- Chocolate mousse
- Wine and sparkling water
Shopping for 8
- Plates12 plates
- Cups24 cups
- Napkins24 napkins
- Drinks24 cans or bottles
- Ice1 10 lb bags
- Trash bags2 bags
Tips from the plan
- Cook ahead
- Choose at least one course you can make the day before so you're with your guests, not the stove.
- Ask about diets when you invite
- It's much easier to plan around a vegetarian or allergy before you shop.
- Groceries are most of the budget
- Expect over half on food and a quarter on drinks.
- Set the table early
- Do it before guests arrive. It's one less thing and it sets the mood.
Questions
How many people should I invite to a dinner party?
Six to eight is easy to cook for and keeps one conversation going around the table.
What's a good dinner party timeline?
Drinks and nibbles as guests arrive, starter after about 45 minutes, main at 75 minutes, then dessert and coffee around two hours in.
How far ahead should I plan a dinner party?
One to two weeks is plenty: invites, a menu, a shop the day before and any make-ahead cooking.