Discover how to host an intimate dinner party with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. From delicious menus to exquisite table settings, I’m going to help you learn how to create an unforgettable evening.
Hosting an intimate dinner party is the perfect way to bring together loved ones for an evening of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re in a vibrant city like me here in Charlotte or anywhere else in the world, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere is key to a memorable experience. Here’s how to plan, design, and create the perfect intimate dinner party that leaves your guests feeling special.
Plan for a Relaxed Yet Refined Evening
The key to a successful intimate dinner party is careful planning. Begin by deciding on a guest list that keeps the gathering small and meaningful, usually no more than six to eight people. This allows for a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can interact and engage in conversation. A girlfriend of mine said it best… if you can’t talk to each of your guests over the course of the night you’ve invited too many! Make sure you can enjoy your company just as much as they want to enjoy you.
Things to Consider When Planning:
Date and Time: Choose a date that works for most guests, ideally on a weekend or a relaxed evening. For couples, it’s usually weekends but for a good ol’ GNI (Girls Night In) you can choose a weekday friendly evening that doesn’t revolve around the million and one responsibilities we all have.
Theme or Mood: Decide on a theme or mood for the evening. Do you want a cozy, candlelit dinner or a bright, floral affair? Do you want it to have a feminine vibe (think Grand Millennial chinoiserie) or a more neutral scene (think Magnolia tree leaves, votives, linens, and natural elements).
Invitations: Send out invitations that match the tone of the event. Digital invites are convenient, but handwritten ones add a special touch. I love using Canva Pro to create custom invites and can either leverage existing templates or create my own from scratch. I did this for a girlfriend’s baby shower and another’s outdoor dinner garden party.
Special Requests: Be aware of any dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure your guests feel comfortable and catered to. Nothing can take the wind out of your dinner sails like serving gluten to the gluten-free or nuts to the friend with a peanut allergy… better safe than sorry!
Design an Exquisite Table Scape
A beautiful tablescape sets the tone for the evening and makes your guests feel special. Opt for elegant yet understated decor that complements the overall theme of your dinner party. Consider soft, warm colors for a relaxed ambiance or crisp whites with metallic accents for a more refined look.
Tips for a Stunning Table Scape:
Layered Textiles: Use table runners, placemats, or linen napkins to add depth and texture.
Floral Arrangements: Choose fresh flowers that match your color scheme. Think peonies, roses, or wildflowers for a soft and natural look. Even things like Magnolia leaves, eucalyptus, or garland elevates the table in a low key minimalist kind of way.
Ambient Lighting: Incorporate candles or fairy lights to create a warm, inviting glow. Seeing the twinkle of these lights softens the setting while adding that special touch of elegance.
Personalized Touches: Add name cards or small, thoughtful gifts at each setting to make guests feel extra special. I love table settings with sugar cookies as place cards or the printed menu set in the middle of a dish at each place setting.
Create a Delicious Menu and Yummy Cocktails
The menu is one of the highlights of any dinner party. Keep it simple yet delicious, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients that are easy to prepare but offer rich flavors. Pair the dishes with a selection of yummy cocktails that complement the meal. I like to choose one or two signature cocktails that I can batch make and serve with wine on the ready. Since wine can be a personal thing you can always ask your guests to BYO wine and people will oblige since they’ll bring what they like best.
Sample Menu for a Perfect Evening:
Appetizers: Small bites like Castelvetrano olives, Marcona almonds, and a beautiful charcuterie board with cheese and Italian specialty meats is always a crowd-pleaser.
Main Course: A spatchcock herb-roasted chicken or a plank of broiled salmon with seasonal vegetables will never disappoint. I love to add some flair by accompanying my main proteins with something special like my basil lemon parmigiano compound butter. Every single time my guests say “how did you do this?!”.
Dessert: A panna cotta with berries or grilled fruit with a sweetened mascarpone are equal parts easy and decadent.
Cocktails: Classic martinis, smoked old fashioneds, a range of margaritas, or even mocktails are always a good bet.
Set the Scene with Beautiful Scenery
Creating a beautiful setting is about more than just décor. Think about the overall ambiance. Whether you’re hosting indoors or outdoors, ensure the space feels intimate and inviting. Soft background music, comfortable seating, and a well-set dining area contribute to the overall experience.
Key Elements for Beautiful Scenery:
Music: Curate a playlist that complements the mood – think jazz, classical, or mellow acoustic tunes. There’s no shortage of these curated playlists across a number of music platforms, but don’t be afraid to make your own and share with your friends. I made a Latin Hipster station that makes me feel like I’m back in Puerto Rico (my favorite place on the planet) while opening up my guests to a genre of music they’d otherwise never be exposed to. It’s interesting, it’s engaging, and feels bespoke.
Seating Arrangements: Arrange seating to encourage conversation and ensure everyone feels included. I will say, my friends always laugh at how we digress to middle school standards and sit the men with the men and the ladies with the ladies. Oh well… it works!
Outdoor Options: If hosting outdoors, use string lights, lanterns, or a fire pit to create a cozy, welcoming space. Just don’t forget the bug repellents if you live in mosquito-heavy area like I do in Charlotte. Nothing stops a party dead in its tracks like your guests getting bit to pieces and itching like crazy!
Natural Elements: Bring the outdoors in with potted plants, herbs, or seasonal blooms. Keep it seasonal! There’s plenty of ways to celebrate Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall… all you have to do is callll meeee… wait, no don’t. But come back here and I’ll share more inspo 😉
By focusing on these elements, you can create a dinner party that feels both intimate and luxurious. The key is balancing relaxed vibes with refined details to make your guests feel cherished and welcomed. Remember, it’s the thoughtful touches and your genuine hospitality that will make the evening truly unforgettable.
I’ll be sharing more helpful guides and source books to help you plan your next intimate dinner party. I can’t wait to help you create an experience your guests will cherish so be sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest via @ericadawnliving
