Dinner Party Checklist
Table of Contents
2-3 Weeks Before
Decide on a style, theme and type of cuisine for your dinner party.
Confirm date and time.
Choose a location for the party home or at a restaurant or cafe.
Determine an affordable budget if hosting the party at your home.
Generate a guest list with consideration of your budget.
Develop a party action plan if hosting the party at home.
2 Weeks Before
Invite your guests by telephone call or send an invitation.
If hiring caterers, book their service.
Create a contingency plan to bring the party indoors just in case weather isn't permitting (if you are having an outdoors party).
1-2 Weeks Before
Create a menu relevant to your theme.
Test the recipes you a planning to cook on the night.
Match wine(s) to the meal.
Consider the decor you will be using.
Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you?ll be using.
Shop for a new dinner party set that matches your theme or any decoration accessories that you may require.
Create a shopping list.
1 Week Before
Purchase items off the shopping list for food that can be pre-prepared, beverages for the night and other items that can be stored until the day of the dinner.
Pre-prepare foods that can be frozen until the dinner party.
Prepare your party clothes.
Organise music for the party.
Follow up with guests who are yet to RSVP.
Create a seating plan if desired.
Finalise numbers and make reservations at the restaurant or cafe if you're a having the dinner party outside of your home.
Day Before
Go shopping for fresh food items and ingredients to recipes that a required for cooking on the day/night of the dinner party.
Clean house and dinner party area.
Designate a place for coats.
If having the dinner party at a restaurant of cafe, confirm attendance with your guests.
Prepare your clothes for the day - wash and iron.
Day of the Dinner Party
Buy fresh flowers.
Set table with linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware.
Set up stereo in a location where the dinner party table will be able to hear the music.
Quick check to make sure the house is clean.
Check bathrooms for fresh towels/soap.
Start cooking meals in the afternoon that can be reheated later and still taste excellent.
Give yourself an hour to get ready and relax with a glass of wine before your guests arrive.
Start music before first guest arrives.
Ensure that guests are introduced to one another.
Enjoy your cooking and great company.
Clean up once all guests have left.
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Presented by:
Campbell Rodriguez
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Views: 112
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Tasks: 45
Who it's for
This Dinner Party Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Dinner Party essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Dinner Party structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Dinner Party Checklist
- Save Dinner Party Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Dinner Party (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.