Dinner parties come in all shapes and sizes. From simple (serve a frozen lasagna and red wine) to “just come over” casual (pizza while watching a movie in a cluttered home). Those are great for the right moment, but this is different.

This is the ultimate dinner party—where you set out to fully love your guests with maximum hospitality, and the night is nothing short of transformative for both you & your guests.

Feel free to follow this plan step by step or modify it to a dinner party that works for your situation. No matter how you adapt it, Step 1 is the most important step.

(PS: This makes for the most romantic date night as well.)

<aside> 💡 Click on the  next to each to see a specific checklist for each

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What does the ultimate dinner party look like?

Step 1: Get in the ultimate dinner party host mindset

Step 2: Coordinate with your guest

Step 3: Prep the menu the week before

Step 4: Prep the space in the days leading up

Step 5: The day of the ultimate dinner party

Step 6: The welcome

Step 7: Dinner time

Step 8: Couch time—the most important part

Step 9: Saying farewell

Step 10: The next day