8 Simple Ways to Impress Your Dinner Party Guests

Use our simple tips to make your next party a memorable one. 

by Erin Henderson

The devil's in the details. It's the little things. Good things come in small packages. Riches are in niches.

If these sayings tell us anything, it's that people are often most impressed not by grand overtures, but by simple acts that show you remembered and you care.

We entertain all the time – both for our clients and for ourselves.

But we don't see much point in inviting friends and family to our homes if we can't be bothered make it really special. We're not necessarily talking fancy pants stuff, here. In fact, we rarely put on our fancy pants. Or any pants for that matter.

But to care about our guests' needs is what hospitality is all about. Got friends who still smoke or vape? OK, gross and dumb, but now’s not the time for judging. Leave some blankets by the door so they can puff in (reasonable) warmth. Have a beer loving friend coming to your wine and cheese? It takes no extra effort to pick up some interesting craft lager when grabbing your wine. Clear out the front closet so friends can hang their coats instead of throwing piling them all on the bed or couch. Little efforts = big impact.

As the holidays approach, you may find yourself playing host. A tiny bit of forethought can elevate your party from ho-hum to hot-damn! and there ain't nothing wrong with gaining a reputation as a party host who just slays it. Every. Single. Time.

Use our eight simple tips to make your dinner parties the talk of the town, and your neighbours fighting for invites.

Greet Your Guests

This may seem like a Captain Obvious statement, but how many times have you arrived at a friend's house, only to have one of their kids open the door while they shout "hi!" from the kitchen – where they will stay buried for the next 45 minutes trying to put the finishing touches on dinner? (Do them a favour – send them this blog).

By taking the time to answer the door, graciously take coats and hostess gifts, offer a drink, and have meaningful conversation, you're showing you guests how much you genuinely care they came.

BONUS: if you know your guests usually bring flowers, get some vases on the ready so you don't have to waste time digging through cupboards

Store Bought Really is Just Fine

We know what you're thinking, "How can I have time to get to the door when I'll be so busy doing everything else?" It's called pre-made and store bought, my friend.

First, do away with the idea that you need to make homemade devilled eggs better than Martha's. You can't.

Instead, do like Ina and pick up a few quality pre-made items from your local specialty store. Good meats and cheeses make for a crowd-pleasing board. Everyone loves it, it looks effortlessly elegant (because it is), and it knocks one more thing off your To-Do List.

BONUS: order a pre-made cheese and charcuterie board from your local cheese monger for an easy and beautiful, no stress presentation.

Set a Beautiful Table

You don't have to spend a lot of money on special holiday-themed plates or embroidered linen. As we always say, use what you have to make a seasonal tablescape. Glass jars filled with colourfully wrapped chocolates, bunches of flowers or seasonal branches picked from the garden or nearby hiking trail, or even just a simple bowl of brightly coloured, seasonal fruits will make an eye-catching and sophisticated centrepiece.

We also like to place name cards so guests aren't left searching awkwardly for a place to sit like it's a game of musical chairs. While standard place cards are totally acceptable, take it up a notch by making them a conversation piece. Write names on a tarot card for Halloween, a Christmas carol verse for your holiday party, or the title of a classic novel or character for your monthly book club dinner.

BONUS: Save yourself a step on the busy event day and your table the night before.

Serve a Signature Cocktail

Signature cocktails don't have to be complicated. Heck, you can use any old drink recipe that strikes your fancy, and suits the occasion.

BONUS: Offer at least one thoughtful zero-proof cocktail for kids and abstainers, so everyone feels special and included.

Hot & Ready

Have you noticed how Starbucks offers to warm your cookie? You know why? Because it's a small but awesome step to showing they care and catering their service to make you happy. Do the same for your guests.

Pop the bread in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. And while you're at it, remember to take the butter out of the fridge (fresh please, no one needs to see the morning toast crumbs wedged in the block), at least 30 minutes to soften.

BONUS: Pick up a few loaves of frozen, ready-to-bake breads at the grocery store to fill your house with the delicious aromas of fresh-baked bread – shhh... if people assume you made it from scratch, no need to ruin the mystique. 

Kids’ Corner

For family functions keep kids busy and out of your hair with their own craft station.

Why not set up a space where kids can decorate their own memento? Ornaments at Christmas, eggs at Easter, or pumpkins at Halloween. Happy kids make for happy parents (and really happy non-parents).

BONUS: hire a babysitter to keep the kids happy, entertained, and hopefully exhausted at the end of the day. The kids will have a blast and the adults will be grateful for the break.)

Make Ahead

As noted in our first point, the cardinal sin of any party host is to keep themselves locked away in the kitchen for hours while the guests awkwardly entertain themselves. Who cares how delicate your goat cheese soufflé is, if we haven't seen you all day?

Pick an easy menu that can be assembled in advance and kept warm in a slow cooker or the oven.

BONUS: Lasagnas, stews and casseroles that just have to be popped in the oven cut down on dishes so you're not running off to wash up while the party is in full swing.

Make Extra

Years ago, a friend made two turkeys for Thanksgiving. One for the dinner, and one so everyone would have leftovers to take home – arguably one of the best parts about the holiday. That generous move impressed me so much it's stayed with me ever since. Buy a few disposable containers and cute paper bags and send guests off with a care package for easy meals the following day.

BONUS: Candied nuts, pickled vegetables, or homemade preserves (store bought or made by you!) are nice little send offs as thank you gifts.

Hear From Real People!

I’m really pleased with how the event went. Everyone feels really happy with your incredible hosting skills and experience. We all DEFINITELY want to use The Wine Sisters again! Thank you so much!!
[They] quickly engaged our group with our wine themed engagement party. Guests were lined up all evening for the experience. [They] very willing to involve guests in tasting discussion. We are all a little more wine savvy - thank you The Wine Sisters
Everything was perfect and very personalized! We still talk about experience and how nice it was. Definitely memories our family will treasure forever.
Great energy, sense of humour and very knowledgeable! Thank you for making it an afternoon to remember!
The Wine Sisters are professional and flexible to attend to client needs. They’re able to provide 'one stop shop for events.
I wanted to thank you again for last night. Everyone had a great time, and I received a lot of compliments, on your behalf. You struck a great balance between being informational and entertaining. 10 out of 10.
Bravo! You were awesome and I loved the presentation, explanation and selection of wines! I just had to reach out and thank you for a wonderful evening. You two are fabulous – great energy and you really like what you do.  You make tasting wine fun!
Thank you very much for the amazing wine tasting. We all had the most wonderful time. The wines were excellent and your presentation was very entertaining and informative.
You and your team were an absolute pleasure to work with! From the get go, you were very flexible with our needs, communicated in a timely manner, and tailored your services to be exactly what we asked for.
You were great and hilarious, and made everyone feel comfortable. Appreciate your time with me and helping pull this event together.

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