Fall is my favorite season for dinner parties. The changing leaves, chilly weather, and darker nights are the perfect excuse to have a group of loved ones over for a meal.
As I enter my mid-twenties, I’ve been looking for ways to elevate my hosting. Here are three things I’ve done to make my dinners feel more adult and less college.
Set the libations
Welcoming guests with drinks is a vital start to any event. If you’re tired of the beer and wine selection at your local grocery store, whip up a quick batch cocktail. Spiked apple cider is deliciously on brand, or try a cranberry sangria if you’d like something refreshing. Zero proof is fun too.
Ditch the red solo cups and serve your libation of choice in something a bit more elegant, like these Debutante Glasses from Fortessa. I guarantee you’ll feel like the queen of your studio apartment.
Set the table
No matter the main course, a charcuterie board is the best way to kick the night off. If you’re in doubt about what to get, I always go by this rule: 1 soft cheese, 1 hard cheese, 2 types of carbs, 2 meats, and 1 fruit. (Hot tip: this also makes an excellent girl dinner.)
One of my favorite combinations is brie, manchego, rosemary and fig crackers, a fresh baguette, prosciutto, salami, and grapes. Keep the sauces easy by sticking to honey and olive oil. My recent obsession is this lemongrass and basil olive oil from Corto—because of a special processing technique called the Agrumato-Method, the flavor of the oil is bright, fresh, and smooth. They also have a Calabrian chili flavor if you want something with a bit of a kick.
Present your charcuterie on this beautiful acacia and slate cheese board from Viking Culinary, and have fun with the plating! This is your chance to let your inner artist go wild.
Set the vibes
One of the easiest ways to curate the vibes of your dinner party is scent. You can light a candle, put out a reed diffuser, or set out a room spray—just make sure that the aroma you choose matches the mood you want to create. For example, this Roaring Fireplace candle from Fernweh Editions creates a warm ambiance, while Tea & Cake is a sweeter and lighter energy. I find that it’s most effective to light a candle once the aromas of food waft away and dinner winds down. Set out a simple dessert, choose your scent of choice, and let the food coma conversation flow.
