
Dinner parties are a timeless way to bring loved ones together to celebrate food and good company. The activity has been around for centuries, with each culture and era finding its own ways to celebrate the magic of a shared meal. Dinner parties were especially popular in the Victorian era, when they provided a crucial means of establishing and maintaining social connections. It was a good excuse for a host to see old friends and foster relationships with those who wished to add to her list of acquaintances.
The same can be said for dinner parties today. Has it been a few moons since you’ve seen your friends? Are you looking to finally hang out with that cool girl from your yoga class? Bring them all over for a night of dining in. Having multiple people over takes away some of the pressure that may occur when you’re dining one-on-one, and allows new friends to better get to know one another.
And while we love learning about the parties of the Victorian era, they can be a bit, erm—stuffy. Not that we don’t relish in the idea of gabbing with your friends into the wee hours of early morning, but we think you can do it without wearing a corset. (After all, one of the best parts of a dinner party is eating.)
Below are some of our tips for throwing a modern-day dinner party. Ditch the rules and strict social norms, and dive into a more unique take on this historical classic.
Soba noodle salad with almond lime dressing[/caption]
Have a Theme
Remember when you were younger and theme parties dominated your social sphere? It seems like every weekend there was a party for pirates or '80s hair band rockstars. This doesn’t need to stop simply because you’re an “adult.” Pick a theme based on a region, decade, or work of fiction. Think of Greek gods and goddesses, '70s Hollywood, fairy tale favorites, or Italian romance. You can carry the theme into the party’s menu, decorations, and dress code. Going for a California beach theme? Serve avocado-topped veggie burgers and wear sarongs while listening to the Beach Boys. Reimagine the traditional Victorian-era parties and serve fancy cakes while wearing your favorite dresses (and think more food, fewer rules.)Plan for Everyone
When you throw a dinner party, you’re feeding a lot of people. This means you’re likely going to have to account for a handful of dietary restrictions. Don’t let this deter you; there are dozens of recipes out there that cater to folks with all sorts of eating habits. Ensure that you have vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Luckily, we live in a world where healthy food tastes amazing. [caption id="attachment_60578" align="alignleft" width="700"]