With limited restaurant reservations and seating these days, an intimate dinner party at home is the hottest ticket in town right now!

If you find yourself wanting to host an outdoor dinner party {while the weather’s still nice} here are a few common problems I’ve ran into over the years and how to fix them.

Shop The Post: tablecloth c/o || Tory Burch Dress {lots of Tory Burch dresses on major sale right now!} || Loeffler Randall sandals {so many good sandals on sale right now too} ||Asha necklace c/o || Asha cuff c/o || dinner menus and place cards c/o || tumbler glasses

My most recent dinner party, was inspired by Blue & Weil’s gorgeous Elliot tablecloth! They make the most stunning block printed linens, pillow covers and caftans. When I added Catherine Sullivan Design’s custom invitations, place cards and menus {she matched them exactly to the Elliot block print!}, it all came together effortlessly. It was so easy, I wanted share all the details on how you can do this too.

This goes without saying, but whenever hosting any intimate gathering, be sure to take all necessary precautions.

And remember, these apply whether you’re having just one person over or five. Making something beautiful it what makes your night special!

Scroll below to get my exact tips and tricks.

4 Common Dinner Party Fouls

A Menu That Requires Last Minute Cooking: Less is more! Neglecting your guest/s by spending most of the night bustling in the kitchen is no fun for you or your friends! So set yourself up for success with an easy meal and enjoy the night too. Here’s how I do it.

Start with a main course that can be made in advance. Add sides that require no cooking. Lots of wine 🙂

I admit, I’m still working on this, but here’s my go to dinner party menu I’ve found success with.

This homemade Bolognese recipe is as homemade and delicious as it gets {make the pasta fresh right before serving}. It can be made the day before (or weeks in advance if you freeze it). Let it simmer in the crock pot a few hours before the party and serve at your leisure.

As for sides, quality and fresh is key. Pop some fresh bread from the bakery in the oven and pair with quality olive oil, parmesan cheese and grass-fed butter. Prepare a Caprese salad that morning (it’s prime tomato season after all!). I like to grab heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market. And that’s seriously all you need! Simple, tasty and no fretting about timing everything out.

“adding stylish menus is a fab way to take your dinner party up a notch!”

Setting The Table Right Before Guests Arrive: I feel like people underestimate how long it takes to set a table – especially one that makes a statement! The reason I think a beautiful table is important is because it sets the tone for a lovely evening! But to do it properly, it takes time, stepping away, tweaking and editing – which means doing it the day before.

The result? Excited faces when friends arrive. You will actually see their face light up. When they see the amount of effort that went into the evening, they feel special.

“But Nicole! I’m supposed to leave all my glasses, plates and silverware outside over night?”

Yes! Here’s how: Cover your finished tablecape with a large sheet or tablecloth. This allows you to prep the day before and keep out the bugs, leaves, and rain dew! I did it for this table setting and many others 🙂

A Fancy Tablescape = Fancy Food: WRONG! We’ve done lavish table settings and served hamburgers on the grill and even pizza delivery. Nobody cares! Not only is a juxtaposition comical but people will take a great deal of delight eating deep dish on your grandmother’s china.

Do The Dishes After Dinner: I know having a clean kitchen feels so nice. But it’s the ultimate buzz kill. Nine times out of ten when I see a host cleaning (for a long amount of time), it’s a subconscious cue for me to pack up and head home.

I’ve also observed guests wanting to help, then the next thing you know, the whole party is cleaning. Waaaah, waaaaah.

Now if you just can’t help yourself, here’s a happy medium. Quickly rinse off plates and silverware. Enjoy your company and let the fun continue. This way you can easily pop them in the dishwasher once everyone leaves or do them the next day guilt free (like I always do!).

https://blueandweil.com/collections/napkins

How To Make Your Dinner Feel Extra Special

A colorful tablecloth: A printed tablecloth is so unexpected from the usual white! As mentioned, Blue & Weil has such a beautiful selection and you’ll have it forever. Even their cloth napkins are worth splurging on. You can also use them as a picnic blanket at the park!

Custom menus, place cards and invitations take your dinner party up a notch: Now I know this can feel daunting. BUT Guys! Catherine Sullivan Designs is simply BRILLIANT and has made it so easy.

This local Chicago stationary boutique sells a “Dinner Party Pack” so you can have it all in one click of a button. The Dinner Party Pack includes 10 blank invitations, menus and place cards so you can elevate your tablescape in a sinch. Simply handwrite in the details and you’re done.

Aren’t they just delightful?!

Start With Champagne! I can’t tell you how many friends {even the men!} take me up on bubbly when we serve it. Champagne is a celebration in a glass and a superb way to kick off the night!

Fun Party Trick – I have a friend who once sabered a bottle of champagne to kick off our meal. We all screamed after it popped and totally ramped up the night! The next morning my neighbor asked what we were celebrating. She said it sounded like we were having the best time. And we were! My goal is to learn how to do it myself!

Candles Galore: Ambiance my friend. Plus everyone looks better under candlelight. I LOVE busting out my grandmother’s candelabra!