let’s get this party started.

So, you’ve agreed to host a dinner party, but you suck at planning. Perfect.

Whether you love the adrenaline rush of doing things last-minute or you simply don’t know where to start and are internally screaming, don’t worry. We’ve got you.

This doesn’t have to be a disaster. In fact, it can be fun, easy, and dare we say, enjoyable. With just a few clever hacks, a no-fuss menu, and a the right drinks, it’ll go off without a hitch.

So, pour yourself a drink and let’s get started.

FOOD: Keep the Menu Simple, but Delicious

This is not the time to try a crazy recipe. Focus on easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that are quick to prep but still pack a punch. The trick? Choose dishes that look impressive but require minimal effort.

Menu Ideas:

Nibbles: Cheese Board, ALWAYS.
Controversial, but all you need is; a soft cheese, a hard cheese, grapes, carrot sticks, strawberries, olives, two dips, two/three cracker options, and some quince paste if you’re feeling fancy. A bowl of chips on the side will never go astray. Bonus points if you’re able to ask your bestie to bring the nibbles for you.

Main Course: One-Pan Roast Chicken
Throw some chicken thighs, veggies (think carrots, potatoes, and onions), and a few sprigs of rosemary into a roasting pan, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and let the oven do the work. Easy, delicious, and it smells amazing!
Side: Simple Rocket and Pear Salad (this is my mum’s go to)
A bag of pre-washed rocket, sliced pears (with the skin ON, for colour) shaved parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, and a drizzle of caramelised balsamic vinegar. Done. It’s fresh, classy, and no one needs to know it took you all of 5 minutes to make.
Dessert: Store-Bought, but Fancy
Head to the local bakery and pick up some tiramisu. It’s such a crowd favourite and so easy to serve up. Bonus points if you turn dessert into a drink – how about a round of espresso martinis?

DRINKS: Buffet All the Way

Instead of playing bartender all night, set up a fun, DIY drinks station. Lay out a few bottles of spirits (we love gin & vodka), some classic mixers (tonic, soda water, and juice), with a bowl of citrus slices (lemon & lime). Don’t forget a few bottles of wine, and some glasses. Your guests can mix their own drinks – it’s easy, fun, and less work for you.

Pro Tip:
Make a jug of the ‘cocktail of the night’! Something like a Spritz or Margarita can be made ahead of time and left out for guests to pour themselves. Delish.

AMBIENCE: Quick Touches That Make a Difference

You don’t need to overhaul your space to make it party-ready. Just a few small tweaks will transform your home into a dinner-party-ready space in minutes.

Quick Atmosphere Tips:

Lighting: NO OVERHEAD LIGHT. Sorry for yelling, we’re passionate about this one. If it’s dark outside, turn off the overhead lights and use lamps or candles instead… you get that mood set, honey.
Candles: Scatter a few extra candles around for a warm, inviting glow. Bonus points if they’re scented.
Flowers: If you’ve got time to grab a bouquet, great. If not, don’t stress - some simple eucalyptus or even a few sprigs of rosemary in a glass jar can add a nice touch.
Glasses: One thing we love to do whenever a group of friends come over is line up some glasses on the kitchen bench/dining table. It is such a simple task, but it makes the space look so put together, plus, it encourages guests to serve themselves!

MUSIC: Set the Mood in Seconds

Great music is secret sauce of any dinner party. If you don’t have time to curate your own playlist, don’t stress. Pop on a ready-made playlist (Spotify has a ton!) and you’re good to go. Choose something upbeat but not overwhelming – we love to search ‘house jazz’ or ‘house techno jazz’ for a little later in the night. Or even playlists such as ‘cooking Italian food’ or ‘Aussie Sunday BBQ’ for some different vibes.

Pro Tip:
Keep the volume low enough that people can actually hear each other. You want a lively atmosphere, not a club vibe (unless dessert has been consumed and drinks are still flowing, in which case, crank that Soulja Boy).

YOU: How to be a stress-free host

Look, the secret to being a great last-minute host isn’t perfection; it’s confidence. So what – the table’s not perfectly set, dinner’s running a little late, and your ice maker isn’t working? If you’re relaxed and having a good time, your guests will too.

Top Tips:

Take a deep breath: Give yourself some time before your guests arrive to chill out (maybe with a wine, we won’t judge). This will help you get in the zone, so you can feel more like the fun, carefree host you are.
Don’t Apologize: If something’s not perfect, don’t point it out. Your guests probably won’t notice, and if they do, they won’t care.
Keep It Fun: Engage with everyone, keep the mood light, and don’t stress about the small stuff. Hosting is about bringing people together, not about showing off!

And there you have it! With these simple hacks, you can pull off a last-minute dinner party without losing your mind.

It’s really all about keeping things stress-free and fun. So go ahead, send out that last-minute invite, and get ready to enjoy a night full of good food, great company, and even better drinks.

Maybe we’ll even get an invite?

Cheers,

Harry & Laura