The chicest event is at your own home.&nbsp;

Twenty-somethings are trading in the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/at-givenchy-clare-waight-keller-holds-the-night" target="_blank" rel="noopener">club scene</a> for a more intimate affair&mdash;the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/louis-vuitton-malibu-nobu-dinner-party-fashion-trends-emma-chamberlain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dinner party</a>. It is a refreshing change for those tired of yelling over <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/vivienne-westwood-sex-pistols-punk-fashion-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">loud music</a> or ruining their shoes after a fateful incident with a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/gigi-hadid-spicy-vodka-pasta-recipe-instagram" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vodka</a> cranberry. Aside from posing significant Instagrammable opportunities, dinner parties are a lot of fun. Unsure how to spend your <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/sleeping-beauty-fashion-runway-trend-spring-summer-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weekend</a>? Sometimes it&rsquo;s best to return to basics: enjoying <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/viral-food-trends-tiktok-feta-pasta-dalonga-coffee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">food</a> and drinks over conversation with friends. As you plan more nights in and fewer nights out, refer to the&nbsp;following secrets to successful soir&eacute;e.

Is a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/met-gala-2022-accused-of-insensitivity-for-gilded-glamor-theme-choice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">theme</a> necessary? No. Is it fun? Very. Although seemingly frivolous, setting a theme serves multiple purposes. A dinner party can be an overwhelming endeavor. With your theme as your framework, other planned details&mdash;from the menu to the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/billie-eilish-music-style-evolution-happier-than-ever-album" target="_blank" rel="noopener">music</a>&mdash;will fall into place accordingly. Not only does this make your life easier, but it also saves your guests the stress of deciding what to wear&mdash;is this a jeans and a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/graphic-tshirt-history-band-merch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">t-shirt</a> type of deal, or does it necessitate heels? A good <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/every-met-gala-theme-ever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">theme</a> answers these sorts of questions. Plus, themes are fun! They are a wonderful excuse to push yourself and your guests out of your ordinary routine.&nbsp;Who wouldn&rsquo;t want to get into <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/most-stylish-sitcom-characters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">character</a> for the night?

Elevate your dinner party by aligning your menu with your chosen theme. For example, if you picked "A Night in <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/daniel-roseberry-schiaparelli-fashion-designer-an-american-in-paris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris</a>," couscous may not be the ideal side dish. Plan appetizers for guests to snack on upon arrival; a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/memorial-day-picnic-essentials-summer-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charcuterie board</a> is never a bad choice. You are not a full-service bar, so don&rsquo;t feel pressured to purchase every type of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/celebs-who-own-alcohol-brands-best-hollywood-famous" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alcohol</a>. Set a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/what-cocktail-to-drink-based-on-your-zodiac-sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signature drink</a> of the evening and stock up on your favorite <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/how-to-shop-for-natural-wine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wines</a>. Don&rsquo;t get too complicated with your main course. It's better to prepare a dish you have experience making to save yourself additional <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/wellness/sound-bath-meditation-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stress</a>. This is your dinner party&mdash;you want to have fun after all! And of course, be cognizant of any dietary restrictions by asking your guests beforehand.

Le Creuset 9.5-Quart Signature Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven, $525, <a href="https://fave.co/3SKkJrq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Le Creuset

Michael Aram&nbsp;Pomegranate Small Marble Cheese Board &amp; Knife Set, $190, <a href="https://fave.co/3SJ15wc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Michael Aram

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/taylor-swift-easter-eggs-albums-red-speak-now-new-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Music</a> is crucial for the perfect dinner party atmosphere, but no one wants to play <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/agoria-sebastien-devaud-french-dj-nfts-metaverse-web3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJ</a> while juggling hostess duties. Curate a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/valentines-day-playlist-music-david-h-holmes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">playlist</a> prior to dinner so that you can focus on what&rsquo;s important. Whether it be disco lounge, smooth jazz, or French New Wave, your choice of music should relate to the theme&mdash;just be sure it&rsquo;s not too loud. This isn&rsquo;t the club, it's your <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/coco-chanel-apartment-restoration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apartment</a>; ensure conversations can easily flow with no shouting required.&nbsp;

Dinner party table <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/lee-boom-interior-designer-fashioning-design-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener">decor</a> begins with the table itself. Having one suitably large to accommodate your guests is easier said for those of us living in <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/alexander-mcqueen-fall-winter-2022-sarah-burton-runway-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York City</a>.&nbsp;If you don&rsquo;t own such a thing, make an indoor picnic table with a blanket on the floor and cushions for seating. Decorate the makeshift dining space as you would any other table.

Dress the table with the same care that you dress yourself. The essentials are fairly straightforward: a tablecloth, plates, water glasses, stemware, utensils&mdash;you get the gist. Even so, there are measures you can take to make the table as elegant as you are. The first is a centerpiece. This is usually in the form of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/valentines-day-bouquet-diy-flower-bodega" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flowers</a>, but get creative! Do be aware of the height though&mdash;guests should be able to see each other as they dine. Next are place cards. They aren&rsquo;t necessary but do alleviate awkward setting confusion upon arrival. Lastly, never underestimate the power of a candelabra&mdash;instant chicness. While there are always the classic three-light candelabras many of us associate with Lumi&egrave;re from <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/disney-plus-movies-streaming-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beauty and the Beast</a>, they come in many different varieties.

Baccarat Crystal Wine Glass 6-Piece Set, $1,300, <a href="https://fave.co/3ZgY60j" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Baccarat

Laetitia Rouget Green &amp; Red Friday Night Plate, $100, <a href="https://fave.co/41EnUoM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ssense</a>

Laetitia Rouget

Maison Balzac Martini Cocktail Glass, $79, <a href="https://fave.co/3mmJKwK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Farfetch</a>&nbsp;

Maison Balazac

Misette&nbsp;Off-White Line Drawing Embroidered Linen Napkin Set, $160, <a href="https://fave.co/3ZftZqd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ssense</a>

Misette

White Blossom &amp; Leaf Bouquet Teardrop Vase, $650, <a href="https://fave.co/3SQyuFd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Diane James

Bitossi Home Set-of-Six Cocktail Glasses, $105, <a href="https://fave.co/3SKAAWZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Farfetch</a>

Bitossi Home

If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be the importance of lighting. Aside from having food and drinks, optimal lighting is arguably the most influential aspect of the dinner party. No one looks good under blinding LED lights. Plus, aren&rsquo;t we trying to relax? Do yourself and everyone else a favor by dimming the lights. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/creative-decoration-candles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Candles</a> are your best friend&mdash;aim for these to be your primary lighting source.

Fornasetti Profumi Frutto Proibito Scented Candelabra, $2,595, <a href="https://fave.co/3kKFaIn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Fornasetti

Match Smooth 2" x 6" Pillar Candle, $40, <a href="https://fave.co/3mmbCkP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saks Fifth Avenue</a>

Match 

Polspotten Large Drip Candle Holder, $105, <a href="https://fave.co/3J7bwqd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Farfetch</a>

Polspotten

Plan several group <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/christmas-trivia-games-holiday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">games</a> to spice up the evening. This can be as elaborate or simple as you please. Two Truths and a Lie or charades are familiar favorites, while more immersive experiences might include staging an old-fashioned murder mystery. Don't like dinner party games? Prepare some fun conversation topics to reference throughout the night.&nbsp;

Intelligent Change Let's Get Closer Table Talk Game, $20, <a href="https://fave.co/3KMUhvD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Revolve</a>

How to Host the Perfect Dinner Party

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