Last-Minute Dinner Party Ideas

Choosing a menu, experimenting with place settings, deciding who to invite...hosting a dinner party requires a lot of planning and decision-making. Sometimes, however, there isn't any time to worry about any of it.

If your friends are coming for a dinner party tonight, you need to pull everything together quickly.  But don't worry--we're here to help!  Just check out the articles below for our advice on everything from table settings to super simple recipes.  

Basically, you'll need to put on your creativity glasses as you look around your home and see everything in a new light.  A fruit basket can be a gorgeus centerpiece that doubles as a pre-dessert course.  Candles, small tchotchkes lying on your bookshelves or mantelpiece, even strands of beads or other costume jewelry--all can be collected and assembled in the center of the table for an eye-catching centerpiece display.  Or go out into your yard and gather fresh flowers.  Even if you don't have a garden, a bouquet of twigs can be a stunning conversation piece--see here for inspiration.

Meanwhile, dig through your pantry and don't dismiss even the most mundane ingredients--even canned beans and dry pasta can be dressed to impress.  See our simple recipes below.  And there's no shame in ordering takeout if you must, but see if you can sneakily incorporate just a few takeout dishes into an otherwise homemade repast--perhaps a caprese salad platter from your favorite Italian restaurant or a Mediterranean hummus, pita, and olive appetizer from your local Middle Eastern place.

For dessert, think "make your own sundaes bar"! A few flavors of Ben & Jerry's, raw walnuts or peanuts, shredded coconut, whipped cream in a can, or mini M&Ms are fun topping  choices.  Finish it off by microwaving a jar of hot fudge sauce.  Or, go healthier and trendier with a gelato bar: buy a selection of Ciao Bella, Talenti, or other high-quality gelatos at the supermarket, and serve with a selection of fresh berries and toasted chopped hazelnuts.