The Art of Hosting
With the holidays coming up I thought this was the perfect time to walk you all through how to host the perfect dinner party or event and fun ideas to give each one the Saucey Rosie touch! To start, begin by choosing a date and inviting besties to get a head count.
Step 1. Curate The Menu
When creating your menu, I look to strive for one that’s elegant and elevated, but easy. Begin by breaking it down into each course: appetizer, main dish, side, and dessert. I try to think of menus that I can prepare ahead especially for larger parties. Not sure where to get started? Check out my example of an easy-yet-elevated menu for a holiday party HERE.
Saucey Rosie Pro Tip: My Favorite Holiday Menu Items
Step 2. Choosing The Perfect Dessert
When it comes to desserts I personally prefer to choose one that I can either bake in the morning that can be served at room temperature later that night or one that I can bake in the oven while dinner is being served. This creates a seamless and easy serving especially when serving a big group of people several courses. A few easy go-to’s of mine are pies, brownies, and an olive oil cake.
Step 3. Don’t Forget Drinks!
With every good dinner party, comes good drinks. Never underestimate the power of an easy yet festive cocktail (or mocktail). A chic drink can elevate every party, and make it feel extra festive.
Saucey Rosie Pro Tip: My Favorite Festive Drinks
Hugo Spritz – one of my go-to easy cocktails because you can whip one up in less than 10 minutes for your guests and requires zero shaking and chopping.
Don’t feel like playing bartender? The best part about a friends-filled evening is asking for help. If you want to focus more on cooking, ask your friends if they don’t mind bringing a drink for each other. Wine is always a great suggestion too if you need something quick and easy. I mean who can pass up a glass of wine?
Step 4. How To Serve
There’s two classic ways to serve your guests that I dabble between – family style and plated. Family/buffet style is typically the easiest route as you can set up each item on a serving dish in your kitchen and guests can self-serve. If you want something a little more fancier and are willing to give a little bit more time to the process, plate each dish yourself.
Saucey Rosie Pro Tip: Not In The Mood To Cook?
Opt for a giant grazing table. Basically the ideal girl dinner, this one big charcuterie table featuring delicious cheeses, meats, nuts, and more.
Step 5. Setting The Vibe & Creating Your Dream Tablescape
Set the scene for your guests by dressing up the table. Pick a theme and a tablescape that feels like you!
Saucey Rosie Pro Tip: Hosting A Big Friendsgiving Or Event?
If you’re hosting a larger party, I love to use butcher paper instead of tablecloth to eliminate as much mess as possible. Trust me, it’ll become your new best friend.
Just tape the edges underneath the table and when the dinner is over you simple untape and throw in the trash. Say goodbye to red wine-stained tablecloths and doing dinner laundry!
QUICK TABLETOP TRICKS
Pick a chic color scheme and keep it cohesive throughout for an aesthetically pleasing table setting.
A centerpiece can define the space, opt for something easy yet elevated like candles, flowers, and a table runner.
When setting the table use smaller plates for the apps and desserts and the largest for your main.
Don’t forget finishing touches like cute napkins. Napkin rings, napkins wrapped in twine, and these chic paper napkins can add the perfect touch of elegance to your setting.
I love creating custom menus for my guests! These are a simple, yet unique touch that can personalize any experience and make for a fun, memorable keepsake. I use Canva to design mine (make sure they’re sized as 5x7). Then just print at Fedex or your local print shop!
BONUS STEP: INSPO AND MUSIC
If you’re looking for any more inspo for your next event, look no further than the queen herself, Martha Stewart. She’s someone who knows how to host and I’ve learned so many fun tips & tricks from her videos.
Lastly, don’t forget a playlist! Music sets the tone for the night so make sure you have some fun beats queued up for the night. Click here for my go-to hosting playlist.