How to Host a Casual Dinner Party with Ease

Host a Casual Dinner Party with this cream and gold table setting plus menu plan. I’ve done all the planning for you so you don’t have to. Just invite some friends over and follow my strategy! For more, you can find a whole year of dinner party ideas.

Casual Dinner Party Plan for Entertaining at Home

This January has been very busy around here. Usually it’s the most sedate month of the year since everyone has just come off the holidays, is working on new resolutions, etc. However, this time around, there have been plenty of nights out and girlfriend gatherings galore! I wonder if this means that February is going to be uneventful(?)…

If you’re looking for an excuse to gather, look no further than this casual dinner party with an easy and delicious menu. I put this cream and gold table setting together in a dash, and used things readily available – like my potted succulent centerpiece that had exploded in size over the summer! I think it can be a fun challenge to see what you can pull together at a moments notice, to create a lovely tablescape – remember my winter dinner party table after the big snow?

Get inspired and follow my menu and recipes below. And get even more ideas from my laid back dinner party in 6 steps.

Casual Dinner Party Menu for Entertaining

• Simple tricks I used to set this table: a large canvas drop cloth from Lowe’s makes the best tablecloth! The macrame runner is from World Market and I’ve been eyeballing it for months! I love how it adds texture to the monochromatic table.
• A layering of classic white dinner plates and vintage glass salad plates with matching water goblets add “just enough” color to the table. Place cards aren’t always needed but do add a special touch to a casual table…especially when they’re tucked into a cork holder. Buy the corks new from the craft store or re-purpose used ones. Just use a sharp paring knife to cut a slit on one side to hold the name card.
• This menu looks elegant but it’s actually very easy. Steak Filets with rich balsamic glaze placed on a bed of veggies; a green salad with apples & sweet & spicy pecans; beets & goat cheese; and chocolate chess pie for dessert. FYI, the beets & goat cheese combo was something we had at a French-style restaurant in NYC. I couldn’t believe how delicious it was…or how I’d never put it together like that before!

As you can see, this casual dinner party can easily be pulled together for four to six people. Turn these slow, boring months into something entertaining! cheers!