How To Host A Laid Back Dinner Party

How do you host a fun dinner party when you’re short on time or confidence? Rather than going all out for a themed dinner party, you can follow this 6-step process that makes it super easy! Keep in mind this is for your friends and neighbors who aren’t going to judge you for using prepared crust or dessert.

Keep It Casual

Sometimes entertaining can seem daunting. In fact, that’s one of the top reasons people choose NOT to entertain at all. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I’m breaking it down for you right here. Host a casual outdoor dinner where you can feel comfortable whether you’re a first time host or a busy mom.

This party is perfect for 6 people, but you can scale up or down as needed. You can also cross reference these summer dinner party menu ideas for more options.

_{*Post contains affiliate links. I earn commission from Amazon purchases.}

This party prep can be done in about an hour, including table setting, flower arrangement, and prepping food. A trip to the store is not included in the time frame.

You can follow these tips when you have last minute guests, or you just don’t feel like pulling out all the stops. For more ideas, see these dinner party menus.

1. Take Stock, Then Shop

Take stock of what you already have in your pantry or freezer and work from there. I almost always have a pack of flatbread in the freezer, as well as cheese, turkey pepperoni, salad or chopped salad, and some sort of fruit in the fridge.

In the pantry I usually have canned artichokes, tomato paste, and sliced black olives. With these basic items you have the beginnings of an easy meal. You can make 3-topping mini pizzas by picking up a few extra ingredients.

Shop

Pick up a roasted chicken and cut or shred it for the pizzas. If you need extra cheese, fruit, or vegetables, add it to the list.

Purchase the items for an easy dessert option below.

Pick up 3-4 bottles of wine. That insures two people per bottle, plus one extra “just in case.”

• Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé all go great with pizza. The Rosé is very refreshing, while the Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and goes down easy.
• As reds go, I’ve always been a fan of Malbec. This is nice with the pepperoni pizza and also pairs well with red meat and pasta. Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied red wine and also works well.

Need help with wine? Follow these tips for serving wine at parties, and check out the labels on bottles for informative pairing suggestions and tasting notes.

2. Easy Menu

Pair the mini pizzas with a chopped salad and fresh fruit. Add a party cheese board to graze on while the pizza cooks.

Create a menu for 6 by estimating at least 2 ½ mini pizzas per person. Pizzas for this party include: 

• Tomato paste + turkey pepperoni + shredded Parmesan, topped with fresh basil. You might be surprised at how well basic tomato paste works as a base. Just spread a very thin layer on the crust, sprinkle on some dried Italian seasoning blend, and add toppings.
• Chicken + artichoke + shredded Parmesan. Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil as the base, or use a brush to brush it on, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning; add toppings.
• Go vegetarian with shredded Parmesan + fresh figs + goat cheese, topped with fresh arugula. Again, use the olive oil as the base and layer the cheese on top.

Some other favorite pizza recipes are honey drizzled ham & arugula pizza, this quick & easy pesto pizza, and bbq chicken pizza.

As the hostess you can prepare the pizzas ahead, or let guests make their own for an interactive activity while sipping on Rosé. Either way, you can pop them in the oven or on the grill and nosh on a cheese board while they cook.

HOSTESS TIP: 3-Topping mini pizzas are a great go-to for easy entertaining. You can create them in large sizes too.

3. Presentation is Everything

A little food presentation goes a long way. Serve the food family-style and make it look extra special by presenting it in an attractive way.

How much more effort does it take to serve a chopped salad on a wood cutting board? None! But it’s unexpected and interesting, and fresh fruit can be placed around it so no extra dish is needed for that.

Another wood board can serve up the mini pizzas. Find edible flowers in the packaged herb section of some grocery stores and sprinkle them around your food boards to elevate the presentation of this simple menu. Other garnishes include microgreens and fresh herbs.

PARTY TIP: Use wooden cutting boards as serving platters for food.

4. Set the table

Create a simple but attractive table setting using rattan chargers with a single dinner plate for a refined and lovely place setting.

A nice collection of napkins can go a long way in dressing up a table. These striped napkins add interest while the flowers and food add color.

There’s no need to use place cards for a laid back dinner party. This is about keeping it easy and carefree.

Flowers

If you’re stopping at the store you might as well pick up flowers for a centerpiece. A couple of bunches will do – one floral and one greenery. This time of year we have a nice selection of locally grown ‘farmers picks’ that look great mixed with seeded eucalyptus. Check out my secrets to flower arranging for more guided tips.

Party Favors

Guests can take home cute and tasty party favors when you place a few colorful macarons into mini jars. Place the jar on top of the dinner plate to help decorate each place setting.

Mini s’mores kit favors also make a great take home gift for guests.

5. Keep Dessert Simple

Everybody loves ice cream! Serve a couple of different flavors along with fresh berries and mint to garnish. It’s a simple and refreshing dessert for easy entertaining.

Another alternative is to purchase cake or pies from the bakery section.

6. Relax and Have Fun

There’s no need to worry about keeping your guests entertained. In my experience a little wine goes a long way in keep the conversation flowing. But if you have a lull or just want to add something extra, try one of these entertainment ideas.

• These 36 conversation starters will keep everyone talking.
• We LOVE playing Cards Against Humanity. The laughs never stop!
• We also enjoy playing Apples to Apples. It’s fun for all ages.
• You can play other conversation games like Plead the Fifth, Never Have I Ever, or Two Truths and a Lie. 

I hope that “over thinking” things won’t get in the way of gathering with friends over dinner. Just follow these steps for a laid back dinner party and you’ll be all set!