Tag Party

On of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual dinner party that Adam and I host for a few of our closest friends in the lead-up to Christmas. It serves as a chance to get dressed up and enjoy an adults-only evening in the midst of the holiday craziness. But this year, we decided to change things up and invited everyone to bring their kids! Which means endless fun, plenty of chaos, and lots of mouths to feed. So as I plan my menu, I’ve been sorting through my favorite holiday party recipes to feed a crowd. These 13 recipes are simple but festive—prerequisites for any holiday dinner party menu (especially if you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen and/or lose your mind in the process.)

Thanks to the fact that I started my career in catering (combined with the countless dinner parties I’ve thrown over the years), I’ve assembled quite a collection of main dish holiday party recipes to feed a crowd that check the boxes. All of these holiday party recipes are:

• Crowd-pleasing dishes that almost everyone loves.
• Leverage large-batch cooking, like a sheet pan or grill, so that I’m not laboriously sautéing 16 individual fish fillets or frying 12 eggs to top salads.
• And most importantly, I can do almost all the prep in advance so that by the time my guests arrive, I can join the party with them.

13 Festive and Easy Holiday Party Recipes to Feed a Crowd

I divided this post into recipes that I make for dinner parties with 4-6 guests (due to the cooking techniques, or the fact that they incorporate pricier ingredients), and the recipes that are really easy to double or triple to feed a true crowd. These leverage larger cuts of meat, build-your-own components that let guests adapt to their dietary needs, and less expensive ingredients so your party budget doesn’t get out of control.

The next time you find yourself hosting a holiday party and wondering what to make, bookmark this post for 13 easy holiday party menus to feed a crowd. Trust me: all these recipes will leave your dinner guests happy, satisfied, and waiting for when their next invite arrives in the mail.

Holiday Dinner Parties for 4 – 6 Guests

The Best Roast Chicken with Tomatoes, Lemons, and Salsa Verde

What makes it holiday-party-ready: If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a whole roast chicken, this recipe is the best place to start. With mouth-watering roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh garlic, this may be the most flavorful holiday recipe that everyone is bound to love.

Make it a feast:

Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

What makes it holiday-party-ready: A good pasta dish is always a dinner-party favorite, especially when its partner is a sauce that’s this delicious. This is Half-Baked Harvest’s Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka that Tieghan made when she came for dinner a couple years back, and I’ve made it countless times since. A dish like this is the perfect option to whip up for an intimate gathering.

Make it a feast:

Roasted Salmon with Spicy Cucumber Orange Salsa

What makes it holiday-party-ready: The benefit of a lighter holiday party recipe is that it leaves room for delicious sides (and not feeling totally over-stuffed at the end of the night.) This roasted salmon recipe is cooked to perfection with a cucumber salsa topping that’s gorgeous and delicious.

Make it a feast:

Sheet Pan Halibut With Italian Salsa Verde And Asparagus

What makes it holiday-party-ready: Halibut is an elevated and elegant holiday party recipe to feed a crowd. The salsa verde brings zest and freshness.

Make it a feast:

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

What makes it holiday-party-ready: Gnocchi’s cozy, satisfying qualities make it perfect for the holiday season. It’s not too heavy and just the right amount of sweet and savory. Sweet potato gnocchi has been on repeat this winter for all my dinner-party endeavors, and this recipe is the perfect opportunity to indulge.

Make it a feast:

Orange-Chili Glazed Pork Tenderloin With Carrot Pesto And Grilled Carrots

What makes it holiday-party-ready: A pork tenderloin is always a fan-favorite recipe for the holidays, and this flavorful take is the only recipe you need. It’s a great opportunity to heat up your grill during the winter and a great excuse to reserve the oven for other flavorful additions to your holiday table.

Make it a feast:

• Turn it into an Italian dinner by pairing with a veggie-packed pasta like this Lemon Ricotta Pasta (that’s also a great main dish for any vegetarians in attendance.)
• For dessert, keep it simple with a big batch of your favorite Christmas cookies.

Holiday Dinner Parties for a Crowd

Sweet and Spicy Braised Short Ribs

What makes it holiday-party-ready: These sweet and spicy short ribs never get old. I could serve them every year for my family and friends, and no one would be sad about it. The fall-of-the-bone meat makes it easy to divide up and share simply with a group. And the best part? These are hanging out in the oven way before guests arrive, and you get to be (basically) hands-off until it’s time to eat.

Make it a feast:

“Damn That’s A Keeper” Winter Vegetable Lasagna

What makes it holiday-party-ready: Lasagna is a go-to dish for large crowds for good reason. This vegetable lasagna is a lighter take on the classic dish, and the scratch pasta is worth the effort and time. The filling can be prepared for the day before, making for more time to spend with your dinner party crew.

Make it a feast:

Lamb Meatballs In Tomato Sauce With Fresh Ricotta

What makes it holiday-party-ready: Meatballs are an underrated holiday dinner party dish that can makes for a total crowd-pleaser—and these feel really special. Seasonal flavors come together for a savory mean that’s also so easy to serve buffet-style.

Make it a feast:

Holiday Bruschetta Board

What makes it holiday-party-ready: This bruschetta board has it all—juicy roasted tomatoes, nutty pesto, and fresh pomegranate seeds. Slice up a fresh baguette and your guests will be grazing for hours on this fresh and flavorful board.

Make it a feast:

• The point of a “grazing board” party is that it’s a meal in and of itself! For a really big group, pair it with another type of snacking board like this gorgeously festive crudité platter with dips.
• For dessert, keep it simple by pre-baking a big batch of your favorite Christmas cookies.

Gaby’s Pork Carnitas Tacos

What makes it holiday-party-ready: In Texas, we love to incorporate Mexican flavors throughout the holiday season. It doesn’t feel like Christmas until I eat a tamale! These pork carnitas from Gaby Dalkin’s cookbook are ultra-simple and filled with rich flavor. And this particular cut of meat is made for serving a big crowd.

Make it a feast:

Rosemary Bourbon Glazed Ham

What makes it holiday-party-ready: Nothing feels more festive for a party than a big bone-in glazed ham. And bonus points that it’s the perfect main to let everyone serve themselves throughout the evening. This recipe does the traditional glazed ham justice with the perfect hit of rosemary and an irresistible bourbon glaze.

Make it a feast:

Vegetarian Chili

What makes it holiday-party-ready: Throwing together a pot of chili is never a bad idea during the cooler months. To keep things a little lighter, this vegetarian chili is the perfect option and fits just about every dietary restriction you can think of. Dress it up with all of your favorite chili toppings, and enjoy!

Make it a feast:

• Serve this chili with a pan (or three) of cornbread
• My Holiday Jewels Chopped Salad adds a welcome hit of freshness—and it can hang out on the buffet for a couple hours without wilting.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual dinner party that Adam and I host for a few friends the weekend before Christmas. It’s become a tradition we all look forward to, and I cook up a feast—usually some version of my sweet and spicy glazed short ribs, pesto parmesan potatoes, and my holiday jewels kale salad. We drink champagne by the fire, and soak up one more great night of conversation before the year comes to a close.

It always reminds me how much I love hosting intimate dinner parties at home. Cozy nights with our closest friends around the table is my happy place, and sharing food and great conversation during this season forges deep connections.

It’s no secret that I always love the chance to set a simple Christmas dinner table with place cards, greenery, and candlelight, so I thought it would be fun to share with you guys exactly how I’m setting the table this year. Handmade ceramic dishes and recycled glassware from Casa Zuma are most definitely making an appearance, as is a stunning evergreen garland that takes center stage.

First, watch the video below to see how I decked the halls this year—then scroll on for my tips on keeping it simple but special—so you can enjoy the party as much as your guests.

The Scandi inspiration

As I shared in our Holiday Decor tour earlier this week, I’ve got evergreen branches, twinkling fairy lights, birch bark candles, kraft paper gifts, and bowls of pine cones on my mind. It all came together for a Scandinavian woodland vibe, especially against a minimalist backdrop of neutrals. Lush textiles and twinkling candlelight made the table feel like it was its own little cozy world, and my goal was to capture that warm sense of hygge throughout the space.

The perfect linen tablecloth

Throughout most of the year, I embrace the natural look of our unfinished teak dining table. But for a dinner party, I always dress it up with our casual linen table throw that doesn’t fully cover the table—I love to let the beauty of the natural wood show a bit. Don’t stress about getting every last wrinkle out—the beauty of linen is that it’s casually rumpled. This simple white palette adds to the Scandinavian feel, especially when topped with our natural evergreen runner that’s low enough to not get in the way of dinnertime conversation.

A lush, evergreen runner

My friend Elle Worsham owns Gracious Garlands, and her team creates the most beautiful evergreen garlands to hang on the mantel or lay simply down the center of the table. This one is super lush and textured, acting as a sort of “runner,” that doesn’t block conversation the way that a taller floral centerpiece would. Plus, it lasts for weeks, which means that I get to enjoy it throughout the entire holiday season (not just on party night!)

It also coordinates so beautifully with our Casa Zuma Holiday Wreaths hung above the mantel and on the window near the table. Handcrafted from a California-inspired mix of Fraser Fir, Leyland Cypress, Gold Tipped Cedar, and Seeded Eucalyptus, it brings so much warmth and natural beauty to the space.

Cast a warm glow

Once I’d laid the foundation with my white linen tablecloth and evergreen runner, I was ready to pop in the twinkling candlelight that makes every dinner party setup feel special. Out of all my holiday table setting tips, candlelight is the quickest, most affordable way to give any gathering a magical glow.

When adding tall, sculptural elements like candlesticks to the table, I like to keep things a bit asymmetrical—and for added twinkle, feel free to tuck a few votives in among the greenery.

Raise a glass

I set this Christmas table with our Playa Dinnerware from Casa Zuma. I love that these feel elevated for a dinner party, but they’re also rustic and durable enough to use every night for our casual weeknight dinners. I paired them with our new Recycled Glass Goblets, which add a beautifully wabi-sabi touch that elevates whatever you’re drinking. Made by artisans in Guatemala of locally-sourced recycled glass, these glasses are incredibly durable, and lend a relaxed, organic vibe to the table. Sized just right for water, wine, or cocktails, I use them for literally every dinner party I host.

A place for everyone

Taking a few minutes to handwrite simple place cards is one of those simple touches that really elevates a table and makes it feel special occasion-worthy. I used simple rectangles of recycled paper, handwrote each guest’s name, and then tucked in a sprig of cedar and a dried orange slice. Don’t worry about perfect penmanship—the imperfect nature of these cards is what makes them feel personal and special.

At our house, grilling is a summer weekend tradition. There are few things I love more than a Saturday night, rosé in hand, kids jumping in the pool while Adam and I prep dinner on the grill. It makes me feel like I’m doing summer right, savoring the moment and the delicious smokiness of food that’s cooked over fire.

When we entertain throughout the warmer months, we almost always grill the main course to keep the heat outside and our cleanup to a minimum. There’s nothing better than not having a sink full of pots and pans to wash up at the end of the night! Summer gatherings call for easy grilling recipes that are quick to make, simple to prepare, and incredibly delicious. So, today I’m sharing three of my favorite grilling recipes—each only has five ingredients and comes together in 15 minutes or less.

First, watch me make these recipes in the video below (told you they were easy!).

To make things even easier, I picked up all my groceries for grilling at Target, our partner on today’s post. Whether you’re grilling with your family or entertaining a big crew, you’re gonna want to know about the ready-made salad dressing and spice blend from Good & Gather I used to keep things simple without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into my favorite easy grilling recipes of summer.

Tips for Grilling Success

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s address the elephant in the room: grilling can be intimidating. I used to leave the grilling to Adam—until I tried it and discovered that it really couldn’t be easier. Here are a few simple grilling tips that every beginner should know:

Preheat Your Grill

Always preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes with the lid closed. This helps the grill reach the right temperature, ensuring a perfect sear on your food and preventing it from sticking.

Clean the Grill Grates

Before and after cooking, clean your grill grates with a grill brush. This is a lot easier than you’d think—when the grate is hot, use a grill brush to remove any bits of food that have stuck to the grate. This will help prevent sticking and ensure that your food doesn’t pick up any unwanted flavors.

Prevent Sticking

Prior to cooking, oil your grill grates to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Choose Your Heat

Depending on what you’re grilling, select either direct or indirect heat. Direct heat is ideal for smaller items that cook in less than 15 minutes, giving them a seared exterior while maintaining a tender texture inside. Indirect heat is perfect for larger cuts of meat or vegetables that require longer cooking without drying out.

Recipe 1: Ricotta and Plum Bruschetta

Our first recipe is a Ricotta & Plum Bruschetta that makes the most delicious summer appetizer—and it even makes a great vegetarian main course for nights when you don’t feel like cooking. To make it, I spread creamy ricotta over grilled baguette, then top with sweet, tart plums and fresh mint. It feels really special, and that char with the creaminess of the ricotta and the sweetness of the plums makes the perfect bite. I could eat this all day every day. 

Get the recipe: Ricotta and Plum Bruschetta

Recipe 2: Plank Salmon with Peach Tomato Salsa

Our simple main course just might be the easiest salmon recipe you’ve ever made. There are only two steps: first we mix together our three-ingredient salsa, then we grill our salmon. That’s it.

If you’ve tried making salmon on the grill and struggled with sticking, try this foolproof method that results in perfectly tender grilled salmon. Soak a cedar plank (available at any hardware store and most grocery stores) in water for about an hour. Then I just place my salmon filets on the cedar plank, drizzle with olive oil, and season with Good & Gather Chile Lime Seasoning.

Place the cedar plank right on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 12-13 minutes until it’s cooked to perfection. It’s so easy to remove it from the grill this way since there’s no sticking. You just use a spatula to transfer the salmon to a serving platter and top it with all that delicious peach-tomato salsa.

Get the recipe: Plank Salmon with Peach Tomato Salsa

Recipe 3: Grilled Romaine with Cherries and Feta

In my opinion, people are not grilling lettuce enough. I know it sounds kinda crazy but here me out—romaine hearts are sturdy enough to stand up to the grill. They get charred on the outside and a little soft on the inside, transforming lettuce into something so delicious. Try it, and I promise you’ll be addicted.

What really takes this grilled romaine salad over the top is this Meyer Lemon Poppyseed Dressing from Good & Gather, which is hands-down my favorite store-bought dressing right now. I love how it adds a hit of sweetness that perfectly balances the bitterness of the lettuce. A scattering of fresh cherries, some crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts take this salad over the top and make it actually addictive.

Get the recipe: Grilled Romaine Salad with Cherries and Feta

Recipe 4: Cherry Berry Ice Cream Pie

Of course, this recipe doesn’t require the grill. But in keeping with the theme of summer simplicity, we’re leaning into the ease that all good summer entertaining recipes should have. Plus, I’m kind of obsessed with this pie, so I had to find a way to share it, asap. It’s almost too easy to be called a recipe, but I won’t tell if you won’t. Here’s the rundown:

A store-bought graham cracker crust gets piled high with strawberry cheesecake ice cream. After firming up in the freezer, you top it all with the prettiest cherries and fresh berries of the season, sprinkle a few more graham cracker crumbs over the top, and devour.

Get the recipe: Cherry Berry Ice Cream Pie

Simple Summer Cocktail: Peach Aperol Spritz

In keeping with our minimal effort/max flavor theme, I mixed up the simplest summer cocktail using just a few ingredients. Here’s how to make this Peach Aperol Spritz:

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These recipes are all the proof you need that grilling doesn’t have to be intimidating. And if you need a little extra guidance, be sure to watch my Youtube video where I’m breaking them allll down (link to episode.)

With these easy grilling recipes, you can effortlessly delight your family and friends all season long. So, fire up the grill, savor the smokiness, and enjoy these quick, simple, and delicious dishes that are low-effort, high reward. Happy grilling!

You can shop the entire look on my Target storefront, where you’ll find all of my favorite Target buys for every space.

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Alison and Jay Carroll split their time between the high desert of Joshua Tree and a small island in Maine. Though a study in contrasts, the locations suit them perfectly, fostering a deep connection with nature that allows them to cook with the abundance of the seasons, as well as provide endless inspiration for their wildly popular olive oil and skincare brand, Wonder Valley. It’s clear that the couple has built a beautiful life all on their own terms—one that enables them to live aligned with their values and freely follow their curiosity, wherever it may lead. 

When we showed up at the Carroll’s Joshua Tree home for a mid-week dinner party, Alison was in the midst of butterflying a chicken. Though her vibe said “laid-back host,” the menu itself revealed a deep knowledge of cooking—she moved about the kitchen with the intuitive approach that only happens when you know what you’re doing. (Picasso’s “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” sprung to mind.) The Carroll’s close friends Ryan and Calley Belli had driven in from Los Angeles for a visit, and we spent a peaceful afternoon pitching in around the kitchen island, playing with 6-month-old Bo, and finally, gathering around the table just as the desert sun set over the mountains. 

We all left feeling nourished, body and soul, inspired by Alison’s thoughtful approach to hosting and gathering. Read on for our interview and of course, all the recipes for the insanely delicious feast she prepared.

At home in Joshua Tree

A typical day in the life…

What informs your approach to food?

A small stack of go-to cookbooks. Weekly trips to the local farmers market. A lot of intuition and winging it! Cooking is one of the few areas I don’t overthink. I start yanking stuff out of the fridge without much of a game plan, and meals just sort of come together. I sometimes go deep in learning a new technique like gluten-free baking, cooking over a fire, or using a Japanese donabe.

When I think of our culinary life in Joshua Tree, it involves a cornucopia of incredible citrus, dates, pomegranates, and Persian cucumbers—all from the local farmers’ market during California’s winter months. During our summers in Maine, we live on a working waterfront, so it’s a lot of lobsters and fresh catch from our fisherman neighbors , oysters from good friends who harvest them, wild blueberries and peak season tomatoes. We just built a new wood-fired oven in the backyard, so this coming summer will be the season of wood-fired oven experiments. 

We’re major Wonder Valley fans. How did the brand come to be?

Jay and I started Wonder Valley in 2014 out of a spare bedroom. I had previously worked as the marketing director for the California Olive Oil Council, an incredible role that involved overseeing our professional olive oil taste panel for the annual certification of all 400+ California extra-virgin olive oils. The role exposed me to the absolute best authorities and resources on domestic olive oil, and we still work with mentors I had from that time.  

We saw an opportunity to bring olive oil to a new audience and start a conversation about “extra virgin,” celebrating the quality of oil we produce here in California. We launched the brand and sold out of our first harvest within a month. We have a really unique approach to olive oil in that we pick our fruit rather green which gives us this really wonderful, robust oil that is just brimming with antioxidants and omega-rich fatty acids. A few years after launching the brand we started to use our olive oil in homemade face oils. It was absolutely transformative to the quality, radiance, and health of our skin, particularly living in this high and dry desert. That lit the match for our growing skincare line, all formulated with our olive oil as a hero ingredient.  We feel lucky to be in this unique position to talk about the importance of internal health for external beauty, and to offer products that support a more holistic approach to wellness. 

Tell us about your Joshua Tree home. How did you find it and what’s your favorite part of the space?

Jay and I bought this home in 2015 after about a year of looking. This neighborhood is where we wanted to land due to its proximity to the national park and 360 degree views of boulders and mountains. While driving around we noticed this small homestead with crumbling pink stucco and some boarded up windows. We heard it hadn’t been occupied for some time, so we tracked down the owner’s address and wrote a letter asking if they would be interested in selling, knowing it was likely a long shot. A few months later we closed on the house! 

At the time, we were living in LA and thought this would be our weekend home, but quickly became enamored by the expansive views of our new home and the process of fixing it up. With an optimistic DIY attitude that overshadowed our steep learning curve, we renovated it over the next couple years while living on site in our 1950’s blue Vagabond trailer.  

My favorite part of the house is our dining room, which was previously boarded up and divided into two small shag carpeted bedrooms. It feels like you’re hugged by the mountains on all sides with a little slice of snow-capped San Gorgonio mountain in the distance. 

We launched Wonder Valley just a few months before moving here. This home has given us the space— physically, mentally, and financially—to grow a business with a lot of care and without compromise. 

Walk us through a typical day at home.

The day usually involves some calls and working with our team, which is based between LA and Joshua Tree. Sometimes we’ll work together in person out of our VW HQ studio here on the property. It always involves some time outside—ideally a walk with our dog, Lefty, into the trails behind our house.

This time of year, I usually end my day with an outdoor shower when the stars are just starting to come out. It’s absolutely beautiful to stargaze from a hot shower out in the open desert, and I’ll bring one of our candles out to illuminate it.

We have an outdoor tub too, and I’ve been bringing Bo in for a bath time during the afternoons. We cook most of our meals at home: simple, healthful meals, made quickly, mostly with produce from the farmers market. Sometimes at night we’ll screen a movie, sometimes we’ll  have friends over, staying in our vintage trailer which now serves as the guest house. I always read in bed until I fall asleep. 

Right now, we have a 6-month-old baby girl named Bo, so our days are a bit unpredictable. Mornings usually start with a shot of olive oil and a pot of tea and a big breakfast for me. Sleeping next to a baby is new. Often I need a little extra time in the morning to come into the day.

Bo seems to really enjoy watching me do my routine in the morning and which is at a delightfully unhurried pace. That routine starts with  Oil Cleansing, perhaps a face mask or some gentle exfoliation, always a Gua Sha. I finish the routine with a dropper of our Wonder Serum which makes me instantly feel refreshed – my skin plumped, well-hydrated and glowing.  I transition from my robe and usually wear a jumpsuit (from my line alsbigdeal.com), which is easy to zip on, comfy to wear while working from home, and easy to breastfeed in. 

On hosting and gathering

How Alison and Jay bring people together…

What does a great gathering look like for you?

We like to host. I think this was something we both had in common when we came together. I love the trips to the market, coming up with menus and spending a long day cooking. Jay makes our home feel great with floral arrangements, a great playlist he’s made, and a beautiful table setting with incense and candles burning. We both like to grill, sometimes on our small yakitori grill or sometimes on the big outdoor wood-burning grill. There are great trails beyond our home, so we usually take a walk before the meal with a cocktail in hand. 

What are some products you love for the table?

Our new napkins made in collaboration with our friends at Madre Linen. They source the most beautiful linen fabric with such a perfect color palette, it feels like an instantaneous heirloom.

Kevin Willis for Commune Votive Holders. Our friend and desert neighbor Kevin Willis makes these fantastic perforated ceramic votives and lanterns for candles.

La Soufflerie Glassware. Any glassware by La Soufflerie. It’s all beautiful. We have a pair of the Verre Tete glasses that are shaped like heads

 What’s your must-have cooking tool?

A sharp knife. It’s the most used and essential item, and it should be sharp and feel good in your hand. I personally use a 9” Japanese chefs knife. When my knife is sharp, I feel like I can do anything in the kitchen. Working with a dull knife is like dancing with two left feet. 

What are your favorite cookbooks?

The Canal House books. They have a few books out and they were some of my first cookbooks that I bought for myself when I was 20. They are written by two women who have a restaurant and studio not far from where I grew up in New Jersey. I find their food exciting, timeless, honest and delicious. 

The Cannelle et Vanille cookbooks. Aran has given me the ability to bake gluten-free. It’s absolutely empowering to turn out beautiful sourdough loaves, perfect tarts, homemade bagels, and baguettes, all gluten-free. 

Nancy Singleton Hachisu’s books for Japanese cooking, particularly Japan by Phaidon. 

Tell us a few things we’ll always find in your refrigerator? 

Miso, preserved lemons, capers, spicy mustard, yuzu kosho, a kraut or kimchi. 

What scares you about entertaining and why?

Doing the dishes! 

Your signature dishes for gatherings?

Grilled avocado with yuzu kosho to start, and vanilla ice cream with Wonder Valley Olive Oil and sea salt to finish. Both are extremely simple and incredibly crowd-pleasing. 

Your go-to weeknight meal to eat at home?

Roast chicken is a staple here—it’s the gift that keeps on giving. This usually starts with a whole chicken roasted with some herbs, lemons and garlic. I’ll make a pan sauce with it over vegetables and rice. Then we stretch it out with some leftover salads, sandwiches and a stock from the bones. 

What’s one tip for someone who wants to host a gathering on a budget?

Taco night is pretty fantastic on a budget, and no one’s ever mad about it. It’s easy to stretch braised meat and go heavy with beans and vegetables. Everyone gets to make their own plate, which is helpful if they have dietary issues. It’s also a condiment game; make a chili oil, salsa, guacamole, salsa verde. We buy a big bag of Maseca corn flour (available at most food stores) and make tortillas by hand with a little press. It really elevates taco night and also gets all your guests involved rolling, pressing and frying tortillas. 

The perfect dinner party playlist includes:

Good music! Our music tastes encompass a lot of styles, genres, and eras. Here’s a favorite we use a lot. It was made for the opening of our bar La Reina, in Santa Fe, a few years ago.

Go-to centerpiece:

A bottle of Wonder Valley olive oil. An empty bottle makes a great candlestick or flower vase. 

What is your no-stress party rule to live by? 

Don’t swim upstream. If something’s not working (someone bailed last minute, a dish burned, everything is taking an hour longer), just roll with it. No one will remember or notice it anyway, but everyone will feel the stress radiating off of their host if you let it. 

Dream dinner guests?

John Waters, Ramdane Touhami, Helen Nearing, John Prine, Dolly Parton, and Sade. 

Fill in the blank:

A perfect meal should …

Leave room for spontaneity and improvising. And unique condiments! 

It’s not a dinner party without …

Music! 

Every cook should know how to…

Make a balanced vinaigrette for a perfect, simple salad.

Growing up, we gathered with family over dinners served on paper plates with plastic utensils. Parties were casual and relaxed (plus, no one wanted to do the dishes). But on holidays, our dinner party table settings were complete with seasonal plates, napkins, and cutlery—and my grandmother always insisted on eating at the formal dining table. It felt special—and it was.

Now, when I host a small group of friends or family, I love to pull out the good plates. I’m one of those old-fashioned gals who actually registered for wedding china, but mine isn’t gathering dust in a cabinet. It’s right there next to our everyday dinner plates. Now, whenever I set the table with those cherished pieces, the whole experience feels elevated—and just as special as my grandma’s table.

Featured image of Brian and Jessie De Lowe’s magic hour dinner party by Michelle Nash.

Image of Rebekah Peller’s Parisian dinner party by Joann Pai

And sure, the menu is where a dinner party begins—but the table setting is where it shines. A table is a blank slate. It’s an opportunity to get creative, bring in elements to complement the food, and truly delight your guests. Right about now you’re either feeling inspired or stressed, but I’ve got good news either way: we’re no strangers to dinner party table settings around here.

From Camille’s own hosting expertise to the tips we’ve collected from tastemakers along the way, you’re in the right place for a huge dose of dinner party inspiration. Gather ’round to spark your creativity (or just outright steal your favorite looks)—our best ideas are just ahead.

How do I set the table for a dinner party?

When it comes to dinner party table settings, you’ll likely want to opt for either a basic table setting or a casual table setting, depending on the scope of the meal. The biggest difference between the two is that a casual table often calls for more dishes than basic to account for the menu (a soup bowl or salad plate, for example). If you need a refresher, here’s exactly how to set the table, from basic gatherings all the way to formal affairs. But if you’ve got plates, flatware, and glasses, you’ve got a solid foundation for any dinner party. Now, let’s head into the inspiration.

1. Use a Linen Table Throw

Keep it casual by opting for a square throw over a more traditional tablecloth. Linen is naturally a bit wrinkly (so skip the ironing) and you can even ruffle it up a bit for a table that’s both rustic and stylish.

2. Put Out Place Cards

You don’t have to be a world-class caligrapher to create a worthy place card. Even the simplest place cards can make guests feel special and considered. I’ve used the backside of an index card or even cut-up cardstock envelopes in a pinch

More inspiration: A Barcelona dinner party with Devon Liedtke

3. Light Candles

It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Lighting candles is truly the easiest way to add instant ambiance. Dot the table runner with tea lights sitting in glasses or make a statement with tall candlesticks—you truly can’t go wrong.

More inspiration: A Greek-inspired bridal shower

4. Knot Oversized Napkins

When in doubt, grab a large square napkin and knot it loosely at the center. Place the napkin either directly on the plate or arrange it around the upper edge if there’s room on the table.

5. Choose Recycled Glassware

There’s something so perfect about recycled glassware for a less formal event. Perfect for water or even as wine glasses. Recycled glasses are unique and special—and decidedly unfussy.

6. Forage for a Seasonal Centerpiece

If you’ve got a yard, you’ve got a centerpiece waiting for you. Snip wildflowers for a group of small vases or grab some branches for a centerpiece that’s more elaborate. It’s an easy way to ground your dinner party in the season and bring in those natural elements that pair so well with a lovely meal.

More inspiration: A backyard brunch with Chef Camilla Marcus

7. Take it Outside

When the weather is right, a dinner party al fresco is a near-perfect option. And take it from us, it doesn’t have to be hard. Camille laid out all her tips to plan a stress-free outdoor party—décor included.

More inspiration: A Santa Barbara dinner party

8. Let Food Be the Décor

If you’re stuck on centerpiece ideas, let the food do the talking. No one will complain about a beautiful cheese board smack dab in the center of the table (and nothing to block their line of sight, at that).

More inspiration: A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Charcuterie Board

9. Use Fruit as a Centerpiece

Persimmons as a table runner? There’s something genuinely striking when an item is repeated over and over again—it just works. Opt for seasonal fruit and either line it down the table, dot them throughout or fill a bowl or two.

More inspiration: Brunch with the co-founder and CEO of Sweet Laurel Bakery

10. Add Cozy Throws or Blankets to the Chairs

Whether you suspect a draft or just want to up the cozy factor, drop some throws along the back of your guests’ chairs or add a wool rug to the bench.

More inspiration: A cozy girls’ gathering at home

11. Make it a Chic Buffet

Truth be told, you don’t always need a dinner party table setting to make it special. Stack the plates and lay out a drool-worthy buffet—it’s décor in and of itself.

More inspiration: This delightful Italian dinner party

12. Decorate with Complementary Colors

It’s a classic tip in the styling world for a reason. For a dinner party, we love choosing a main color and throwing in accents that complement from natural elements. Try it with oranges and limes on a blue linen throw or a pale green table topped with ripe strawberries or red peonies.

More inspiration: A Spain-inspired summer dinner party

13. Match the Flowers to the Food

Delight your guests with an understated color theme. Choose foliage that pairs with the menu and get ready to snap all the photos.

More inspiration: An outdoor afternoon lunch with cookbook author, Aran Goyoaga

14. Mix and Match the Tablecloths

There really are no rules when it comes to styling the table for a dinner party. Grab more than one tablecloth if the length of the table is too long—you can even use sheets or light blankets.

More inspiration: A magic hour gathering in Santa Barbara

15. Embrace Your Surroundings

The first step in planning a dinner party is the where. Maybe there’s a rooftop available or a patio, backyard, or cute tucked-away alley. Think outside the dining room!

More inspiration: An NYC rooftop dinner party

16. Play With Color

We’re known neutral lovers around here, but even we know that a little color can be downright fun. Up the playful vibes with mismatched furniture and bright tabletop pieces.

More inspiration: An Italian-themed dinner party, at a farm in Malibu

17. Use a Picnic Table

The humble picnic table can do a lot of things if styled well. Pop in a few pillows or blankets for texture and fill vessels with fresh blooms for the perfect mix of rustic and modern.

Now that the table is styled, time to plan the menu. Here are some recipes to feed a crowd for your next dinner party. Happy hosting!

Emily Post’s presence was felt throughout my childhood home (my mom displayed her etiquette bible proudly on our bookshelf). From how we set the table to dinner party etiquette to the respect we showed one another—these “rules” guided much of my younger life. They’ve also played a key role in who I’ve grown up to be. Yes, while you might be rolling your eyes at the idea of etiquette—and an elementary-age girl taking so much interest in the subject—it’s back in a big way. And because we’re all craving more gatherings, connection, and togetherness in 2023, knowing your dinner party etiquette is more important now than ever.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

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Dinner Party Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know for 2023

In the words of etiquette expert Heather Wiese, etiquette “is a path to compassion, consideration, and even empathy.” When posited that way, how could you not see the need for more etiquette in our world today?

To get a better idea of what’s expected of us (both as guests and as hosts), I chatted with Heather about all things etiquette. We spoke about what the concept means in 2023, how to navigate hostess gifts for every occasion, and the complex matter of dietary preferences. Be sure to read to the end—Heather’s sharing what’s in and what’s out for perfecting your dinner party etiquette.

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“Etiquette” in this day and age can seem outdated. What does it mean for you in 2023?

This is a great question. What’s outdated about etiquette is the idea that etiquette is outdated. I love that there’s a new buzz around reformatting our ideas and ideals of protocol. Behavior is the elephant in the room no one can avoid. We all might as well harness it and learn to handle it well. Modern etiquette guidelines are the tools you need to realize what isn’t typically obvious to you. Frankly, these revelations make the difference between being perceived as gracious and impressive or possibly lacking in an ability to relate or conduct yourself well in a given situation.

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How can etiquette be used as a tool to help us act more respectfully and thoughtfully toward others?

Reprogram your idea of etiquette. It’s a word many of us need to reconsider and redefine in our minds in order to see its real value. If you use etiquette to feel more elite or one-up someone, you’ve missed the boat completely (and you can assume everyone saw the big splash into a self-absorbed abyss). Etiquette is a path to compassion, consideration, and even empathy when used as intended.

Reprogram your idea of etiquette. It’s a word many of us need to reconsider and redefine in our minds in order to see its real value.

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What are some good examples of host gifts to bring to a dinner party? Do you always have to bring a gift?

The key phrase here was “dinner party.” Yes—always contribute. If you’re helping with the dinner itself, there might be something small in addition you can bring that says, “I appreciate you hosting.” However, when you’re arriving as a carefree guest being served, a modest but thoughtful gift is a big YES.

I’ll give you a few scenarios from my past few weeks. Over the holiday, I was invited to my parents’ friends for a casual dinner and football-watching. They made dinner. He has a wine collection I’d be intimidated to grace with my last-minute local purchase. Instead, I brought a pretty desk calendar from my collection.

There really are only two rules: consider the host, contribute something material in some way.

I’ve picked up some funny cocktail napkins, a nice candle, and some gourmet chocolates on different occasions for similar parties. Last week I was invited to the home of someone I don’t know well. I had no idea of their style. I grabbed a gift tag from my stash and a fresh orchid on the way to the dinner party. Last night I headed out last-minute to a friend’s house for an impromptu dinner. I grabbed a bottle of wine from my stash so I didn’t show up empty-handed. There really are only two rules: consider the host, contribute something material in some way.

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Dietary preferences are so common these days. What are some ways to navigate this as a guest? What about if you’re the host?

If you’re the guest and you have true dietary restrictions, you’ve been doing this dance far longer than any of us have been commenting on the subject. I commend you for showing up and doing what you can to be social and relatively discrete with a difficult situation. Everyone I’ve encountered with these issues has always handled it so well. They contact the host ahead, sometimes bring their own food, and put everyone at ease as they navigate their critical musts. Seeing this done graciously is truly impressive.

Hosts, it’s always good to ask if anyone has any dietary limitations and if you’re feeling accommodating if anyone has any preferences—although the latter is not necessary. If you do have someone who requires special food handling, ask their advice and take it. Take it as a chance to learn from someone’s experiences.

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It’s 2023—what’s in and what’s out in the world of dinner party etiquette?

What’s in:

1. Good manners and thoughtfulness. Knowing how to set the table isn’t out of style by any means. If you’re truly into entertaining, knowing some modern trends to offer up is always good.
2. Know the source. Growing sustainably, responsibly, locally—these are all growing in popularity and they are great dinner party conversation. Be ready for interesting meals that bring conversation to the table.
3. Mocktails. That’s right! They aren’t just for moms-to-be anymore. Creative juices and flavor are flowing and so fun to make. There’s now a trendy take on being healthier, pacing yourself better, or simply avoiding alcohol altogether.
4. Mushrooms, roots, and foraging. Unique fruits aren’t out altogether, but the earthy elements and backwoods fare are having their day.
5. Experiences. Maybe it’s because we’re all out of our cages with a new view on life and friends and celebrating. Whatever the reason, planning out themes, bringing in a pro, or creating an experiential environment is definitely having a moment.
6. Etiquette! No, really. People are arming themselves with civility and modern manners for no other reason, just to have an enjoyable night away from the norm. Come looking educated in this little movement with questions to make conversation like: How do you know the host? How do you like to spend your free time? Do you get to travel or if you could, where would you love to go? Are you watching a good series or reading a good book?

What’s out:

In general, a dinner party is about people gathering and having a great time. These are the buzz-kills you should always avoid, especially now.

1. Bringing bought food when everyone else has contributed a homemade dish.
2. Bringing your complaints or divisive conversations to the party.
3. Cooking with canned, preservative-loaded foods.
4. Talking to only the people you know and not asking questions to learn about new subjects or people (it’s just a few hours, you can do it!).
5. Bringing up how much something costs or how much someone, including yourself, makes.
6. Arriving early. Give your hosts time to do their thing. Don’t show up early and cut their timeline short.
7. Arriving fashionably rudely late. Let’s be real, dinner parties aren’t business meetings—unless they sort-of are. A good guideline is 5-10 min grace from the host’s recommended start time.