Don’t worrythis is not that.
If youve finally stoppedoverthinkingand have decided to host a dinner party, bravo!
Now, where to begin?
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
So we need to try and be a littlemore compassionatetowards ourselves as well.
“You are sure to be harder on yourself than your friends ever would be!”
What Should I Cook?
So, making a very simple salad with bright leafy greens is ideal.
it’s possible for you to easily use a bag of wild arugula, too.
Just use two of them instead of one.
The quantity fluffed up and tossed in a great vinaigrette in a beautiful bowl is stunning.
This strategy can help cut down on cost and stress of preparation.
Restaurants prep in advance as a rule!
Encourage Group Participation
Also: let people help!
It’ll take some pressure off you, and it give that person a little job to execute.
No one wants to come to a dinner party empty-handed!
Delegating tasks fostersprosocial behaviorand teamwork, which are essential to community building.
“They want to spend time with you and help youso don’t be afraid to ask.”
You may consider asking people to Venmo you $10-15 to pitch in.
This has become widely accepted as everyone knows the cost of food is astronomical these days.
The food is important to a dinner party, but bringing people together is what were emphasizing here.
If Youre Feeling Nervous About Inviting People
Im worried I dont have enough friends.
I dont think people like me enough to come over.
Everyone probably has other events to go to that night, why even bother?
Statements like these probably play over and over in your head when planning a gathering, its totally normal!
But you shouldnt let that littleanxietygremlin on your shoulder stop you from having a good time.
“Quality is what’s important here, not quantity,” says Owens.
That’s the bright side to a smaller party!"
My Favorite Dinner Party Albums
No dinner party is complete without music to set the vibes right.
I always feel anxious about having new people over at my house.
No one cares about the imperfections that you see in your home, I promise.
It’s a nice reminder that we all live in different ways, and none of them are wrong.
Don’t let this throw you into a panic that the whole evening will beawkward.
Take a deep breath!
Now is the time to flex those conversational muscles.
“Open-ended questionsare best.
You could ask, ‘What’s something you’re doing at work right now?’
or ‘What hobbies have you been into lately?’
Let those memories of laughter and honesty really soak in.
And when the time to start cleaning does finally arrive, don’t shy away from assistance.
“That would actually make most people feel uncomfortable.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you wipe the table or do some of the dishes.
lets people know how they can help.”
