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Cheese 101 

Dinner Party Checklist

This step-by-step plan will ensure that you, too, will be able to sit down at your next dinner party.

Three Weeks Before

  • Choose a theme, if you want one. Decide whether it will be an elegant soiree or a cozy supper, then think about a theme in terms of season, occasion, and guest list. Make, buy, or borrow any related decorations you might need.
  • Extend invitations. Mail, phone, and e-mail invites are all acceptable; the more formal the dinner, the more appropriate a written invitation, perhaps tied into the theme. Include such details as the date and time (typically 7 p.m., which allows an hour for cocktails, appetizers, and mingling), the deadline to RSVP (a week before party day), your address, and suggested attire if formal.
  • Plan the menu. Keep it fairly simple, including make-ahead dishes if possible (so you don’t spend too much time running in and out of the kitchen), and take the weather into consideration.

Two Weeks Before

  • Come up with a playlist. It should be long enough to last for the duration of the dinner, coordinate with the party’s theme if there is one, and be kept at a level that doesn’t hinder conversation.

    Related: Create a Dinner-Party Playlist

  • Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you’ll be using. And launder and iron linens.

One Week Before

  • Clean the house thoroughly. To maintain it for the rest of the week, do a quick daily routine.
  • Take inventory of tableware, cookware, and serving dishes. If you don’t have enough for every dish you’re serving, consider purchasing inexpensive pieces from a discount or thrift store or borrowing—don’t be afraid to mix compatible patterns. Allocate a serving dish for each menu item, and label the dish with a Post-it note.
  • Make a detailed shopping list and cooking schedule. Map out where you’ll buy each ingredient or beverage to streamline your shopping route. Rule of thumb: Calculate three bottles of wine for every four guests. Place an order with the local butcher, fish shop, baker, or liquor store as needed.
  • Set the stage. Arrange the furniture as you’ll want it for the party, checking for the flow and removing any clutter. Designate a coffee table or side table for coffee and dessert if you wish. Figure out the lighting: Using low-wattage bulbs or candlelight will create the right mood.
  • Create a seating plan if desired. Mix together people who aren’t familiar with one another, and set out placecards.

Three Days Before

  • Decorate. Lay out all decorations but the flowers.

    Related: Fresh Ways to Dress up a Table

  • Check the medicine cabinet. Remove any personal items you wouldn’t want guests to see.
  • Designate a place for coats. Make space in a front closet and fill it with hangers, or designate a bed for coats (and make sure the room’s especially tidy and clear of valuables, so you won’t need to worry about them).
  • Shop for food and beverages. 

One Day Before

  • Set the table. 
  • Buy flowers. Arrange and set out around the house.
  • Do as much of the cooking as you can. Also, for any foods that require cooking on party day, do as much prep (dicing, marinating, rinsing lettuce, etc.) as possible.
  • Make a sweep through the house. Do cleaning touch-ups where necessary.

One Hour Before

  • Be sure the dishwasher is empty. 
  • Change into your party clothes. 

30 Minutes Before

  • Light the candles. And turn on the music.
  • Uncork the wine. 
  • Toss the salad. 
  • Sip a glass of wine. And relax!

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Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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