How to Throw a Spontaneous Summer Dinner Party
By Casa de Suna
Published Jul 23
We know we’re not alone when we say that summer makes us want to socialize more.
And while that extends to hosting, because it’s literally our job to talk about entertaining, sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to host a perfect party–and plan it to an absolute t. But the fact is: sometimes, those spontaneous dinners are the best ones. Here are our tips for making it happen.
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Set up some subscriptions
One way to make your life a lot easier? Set up a couple of subscriptions so you’re ready-to-go with hosting essentials should the fancy to throw a party strike. A wine subscription is a summer favorite (and a great gift!), and we love the Jumbo Times Summer Release, which allows you to get six bottles of their summer release, delivered to your door. Dry Farm Organic Wines is another great option–and you can also contact your local wine shop to see if they have a delivery program. If you’re not a big drinker, just keep some ready-made mocktails like Figlia Spritz in your fridge.
Another one of our absolute favorite things to have on hand: a selection of artisanal cheeses. Murray’s Cheese is our personal favorite, and if it’s getting delivered to your door each month, all you need to do is pop a pack of raincoast crisps onto a platter with some olives (more on those later) and call it an evening.
Don’t get boxed in by the phrase “dinner party”
One thing that stops so many from hosting on a whim is the concept that they have to cook a full, fancy dinner in order to make it worth attending. Not true! And, in fact, sometimes people prefer something a bit more casual. Putting together a group of delicious hors d’oeuvres, like these warm marinated olives, a caramelized shallot dip, a pea dip with tender herbs, some potato chips, garlicky labneh, homemade popcorn, and, of course, some guacamole. No, it’s not conventional, but we promise, this can be enough!
Don’t do it on a weekend
To us, there’s something special and exciting about a weeknight dinner party. First of all, it justifies the looser and more appetizer-forward menu we’ve listed above. Second, it takes the pressure off for a hard start and increases the chance that people won’t linger too long, which means you’ll feel more relaxed the whole time. And, remember: a relaxed host is the number one key ingredient for an epic evening.
Get games ready
If you’ve never played salad bowl, it’s the easiest possible way to ensure an engaging evening. All you need is a pen, paper, and a bowl, and some slightly competitive willing participants.
Have a designated tablecloth for hosting
Keep a “hosting tablecloth” in your linen closet, so you can throw it on a table in no time to make things look more polished when you have people over. Our personal pick is this blush-colored one from Hawkins New York, but you can’t go wrong with any color.
Cue up a playlist
Having a playlist handy and a delicious scent burning are two surefire ways to make people feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.
Mix up the guest list – but don’t go too crazy
Dinner parties are a great time to introduce people you love from different parts of your life, but you want to be at least slightly intentional. Our tip? Invite a few groups of two – whether that’s a friend or a couple – so that they always have someone else to talk to, but are free to mingle if they want.
That’s all for today! Did you take any of our spontaneous dinner party tips? Tag us on social media using #casadesuna
