I love a lot of things about my generation.
I love that we care about the environment and shopping local.
I love that we’re passionate about creating, from beer to home goods to art in all kind of everyday situations.
I also love that we’re trying to resurrect the dinner party.
Don’t get me wrong, I learned a lot of what I know about hosting a dinner party from my Mom, and I know that generations have been doing this for many many years. But, I really love how my generation is making dinner parties more accessible and relaxed than ever.
You don’t need to have crystal goblets for everyone. You don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen and home make every last thing.
Today’s dinner party is all about inviting friends and family into your home and offering them a nice environment to enjoy good food and conversation together. And my husband and I are SO on this train. We love hosting and make an effort to do it every month or at least every few months.
So, I’m here today to get you excited about hosting friends or family for a dinner party. YOU CAN DO THIS! As long as perfection isn’t the goal, you will do just fine.
Here are a few of my favorite dinner party menus to inspire your party eats!
DINNER PARTY #1: GRILL CASUAL
Pick this dinner party menu if you’re fired up about grilling and want to just chill with your guests while grilling, chatting, appetizer-eating and enjoying the hot weather (and hopefully occasional breeze).
- Appetizer: White Bean Hummus or Smoky Corn Dip with pita or corn chips
- Main: Smashburgers or grilled sausages on potato buns
- Sides: Grilled Fries, Corn on the Cob and Farro Salad
- Dessert: Kentucky Derby Pie Bars
- Drinks: Pitcher of Sangria or Margs
DINNER PARTY #2: CLASSY COMFORT FOOD
This option is best for those wanting some warm comfort food that’s easy to prepare and still quite impressive. Who doesn’t love a nice roast chicken?! Well, if your friends are vegan, then maybe just roast them some veggies. 🙂
- Appetizer: A simple cheese plate
- Main: Roast Chicken and Veggies
- Sides: A local loaf of bread and salad
- Dessert: Apple Cake
- Drinks: A nice white or red wine (I like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Syrah)
DINNER PARTY #3: EASY & FILLING
And to the last menu. This is a great go-to with a filling and simple pasta dish that’s sure to please a crowd and goes with almost anything. If you have a few picky eaters (or vegetarians) in the group, this might be your best pick!
- Appetizer: Store-bought or homemade hummus with pita chips or crudites
- Main: Lazy Lasagna (vegetarian) or White Lasagna (this one can be made ahead of time)
- Sides: Garlic Bread or Homemade Breadsticks and Avocado Grapefruit Salad
- Dessert: Lemon Bars
- Drinks: A nice red wine (I like Montepulciano or Pinot Noir)
I hope these menus can help launch your next dinner party. Send out some text or Facebook invites because you’re about ready to party!