How to host a simple dinner
To host your first dinner for four friends in a small apartment, cook a main you have made before, add one dish you can make ahead and one you can buy, and write a timeline backward from when you want to eat. Ask about allergies when you invite people. Set the table, drinks and a snack before anyone arrives, and accept offers of help.
About 30 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Invite people at least a few days ahead, and ask about allergies and foods they do not eat.
- Choose a main dish you have cooked before, one side you can make ahead, and one thing you can buy, such as bread or dessert.
- Write the timeline backward from serving time, including when each dish goes in and comes out.
- Shop and do the make-ahead dish the day before.
- Clear the counters, empty the dishwasher and take out the trash before guests arrive.
- Set the table and put out drinks and a simple snack so people have something while you finish.
- Clean as you cook, and give a guest who offers help a small job.
- Sit down and eat with everyone; the food does not need to be perfect.
Common mistakes
- Trying a new, complicated recipe for guests.
- Forgetting to ask about allergies.
- Starting to cook when the doorbell rings.
- Spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to host a simple dinner
What to say
To host your first dinner for four friends in a small apartment, cook a main you have made before, add one dish you can make ahead and one you can buy, and write a timeline backward from when you want to eat. Ask about allergies when you invite people. Set the table, drinks and a snack before anyone arrives, and accept offers of help.
What to show, in order
- Invite people at least a few days ahead, and ask about allergies and foods they do not eat.
- Choose a main dish you have cooked before, one side you can make ahead, and one thing you can buy, such as bread or dessert.
- Write the timeline backward from serving time, including when each dish goes in and comes out.
- Shop and do the make-ahead dish the day before.
- Clear the counters, empty the dishwasher and take out the trash before guests arrive.
- Set the table and put out drinks and a simple snack so people have something while you finish.
- Clean as you cook, and give a guest who offers help a small job.
- Sit down and eat with everyone; the food does not need to be perfect.
The check question
Ask: Which main dish should you cook for guests?
Related skills
- How to roast a whole chicken
- Table manners and which fork to use
- How to be a good houseguest
- Every skill in Kitchen
Last reviewed . First published .