Hello dolls, my name is Bethany Herwegh and I am the Glamorous Housewife. Today I am a guest on this glorious Apronista blog and I am going to teach you how to throw a dinner party for 6-8 people.

I like to cook easy, hardy food that is mostly hands off. Therefore my perfect go-to is a roasted chicken with roasted potatoes and a green salad, followed by a light dessert. I find dessert is often skipped entirely by my guests because they have filled up so much on dinner, so I often purchase a cake or cookies from my local baker. This frees up some time for me to really focus on the table and the main course.

I begin three days ahead by grocery shopping for all the dinner ingredients. I find grocery shopping and cooking on the same day can make for a very long and boring day, so I like to get it out of the way. While you are out, be sure to buy some flowers for the table.

The day before the soiree I make sure my home is picked up and I have the table pre-set. I happen to have a linen closet full of my favorite vintage tablecloths to choose from, but if you are hosting your first dinner party then I suggest investing in a good white tablecloth. It is classic, timeless, and always in style. While you are at it you can also get yourself a set of 10 white napkins. I find the ones at Target or Bed Bath And Beyond are just dandy.

Now that you have the basics, it is time to set the table. Lay down your freshly ironed tablecloth, followed by your dishes, silverware, and glasses. I like to have a water glass and a wine glass. There is no need to get fancy goblets if you don’t have any- just use your every day tumblers. I used a large glass as the ‘water’ glass and a short one for the ‘wine’ glass. It gives your table a more playful look and will let your guests know this is going to be a casual and relaxing experience.

Once the table is set you can create a centerpiece. I happen to collect vintage bottles and I put one or two tulips in each and then scattered the bottles down the middle of the table. You don’t have to use vintage bottles- new ones are just fine! And tulips are just a suggestion- any flower looks great when you use it in abundance.

Finally, I created the napkin decoration by tying it with raffia and tucking in a little faux yellow flower cluster. I got mine at the Potter Barn, but you can find similar ones at any craft store. You could even use real flowers!

Now that the table is set, all you have to do is make dinner! Directions on how to roast a chicken and potatoes can be found HERE.

Here are a few more tips:

1. Get dressed at least two hours before your party. Most people leave it until the end, but that is when you are usually doing the finishing touches on your dinner. Don’t get caught in your schlepy clothing- just use an apron to keep your dress spotless- I know you have one!

2. Make sure there is a simple activity for the first guests to accomplish. Everyone always asks the hostess, ‘is there something I can do?’. Give them a cucumber to slice, or have them fill an ice bucket. Your guest will appreciate having an activity to keep them busy until the other guests arrive.

3. Don’t let them see you sweat. Did you burn the chicken? Just smile and order pizza. Pretend you were always planning on pizza and whatever you do don’t tell anyone of your disaster. There is nothing more boring then a hostess who starts the night off relaying every mistake she made.

4. Have fun! Remember this is a party. It will go by so quickly so relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy the conversation.

5. Did you end up having some guests that just won’t leave? Start clearing the table and doing the dishes- this is the universal signal to go home!

So what do you kittens think? Will you be having a dinner party anytime soon? If so, let me know if you used any of my tips and how it went. I love hearing about how other people entertain.

Thanks dolls,

The Glamorous Housewife

 
PS – Be sure to visit our Sponsor – Sophia Grace and Enter the Giveaway by 11/15