We're starting to come out of hibernation and hit peak dinner party season, so if you're looking for an easy dinner party recipe to impress your guests — you've come to the right place.
The key to hosting a good dinner party is all in the atmosphere, so make sure you're relaxed and sitting down at the same time as your guests. It's important to remember that dinner parties don't have to be perfect, either.
With that in mind the ideal dinner party recipe can be mostly made in advance, giving you time to get ready and relax before guests arrive. It can be served family-style, made ahead of time, only take 10 minutes to throw together... throw that traditional rule book away.
We've got a whole host of dinner party desserts to finish off the evening with a bang too...
Spaghetti alla vongole
Simple yet elegant, spaghetti alla vongole is one of the easiest dishes to impress guests with at a dinner party.
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Chicken curry bao
Fancy making something a little bit different for a Chinese-themed spread? Our fragrant chicken curry bao are absolutely delicious.
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Giant couscous and pomegranate salad with orange dressing
This jewelled salad is just as gorgeous by itself or alongside our Persian-inspired spatchco*ck chicken.
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Porchetta with salsa verde
Our porchetta recipe has the crispiest skin, simple roasted new potatoes and a bright and zesty salsa verde that's sure to make you the host with the most.
Coated in fragrant spices and yoghurt, our Persian spatchco*ck chicken works beautifully as a centrepiece alongside a fresh salad and traditional tahchin.
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Harissa hasselback butternut squash
This veg-focussed main pairs sweet, fudgey roasted squash with sharp feta and bright pops of pomegranate for the most gorgeous vegetarian dish.
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Nduja pasta
Hosting a pasta party? Our spicy nduja pasta is a deceptively easy and works wonderfully alongside a bitter leaf salad.
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Whipped feta with glazed leeks
Whipped feta is the dreamiest dinner party dip, and topping it with toasted pine nuts and glazed leeks makes it into the ideal sharing starter.
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Roast pork belly
Our pork belly recipe makes creating crispy skin easy, and goes perfectly with our parmesan roast potatoes and fresh spring greens.
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Haddock orzotto
Hosting a dinner party but don't want to spend all night in the kitchen? This 10-minute smoked haddock orzotto is an absolute winner.
Moroccan lamb chops with speedy pickled tomatoes and raita
Ready in under an our, these harissa-marinated lamb chops with sweet and spicy pickled tomatoes are guaranteed to please a crowd without too much effort.
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One-pot chicken risotto
If you dread post-dinner party washing up, this recipe is for you. A creamy sweetcorn risotto with a whole roast chicken in lovely juices - all in one pan.
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Pork and mushroom meatballs with butterbean mash
We've given mashed potatoes and sausages an elegant upgrade by switching potatoes for creamy butterbeans and sausages for flavoursome pork and mushrooms in this comforting yet dinner party-worthy recipe.
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Beef shin ragu
There's nothing more inviting than a big pot of ragu simmering on the stove, so treat guests to a slow-cooked pasta dish this weekend for ultimate friend points.
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Quick pan-seared scallops
These five-minute seared scallops are such a quick and easy starter (or main with lots of sides).
Chicken cacciatore is such a classic dish, and it never gets any less delicious. Made with braised chicken, cooked in a flavoursome tomato sauce - it's an easy dinner party win.
A whole side of salmon is actually super simple to cook, but still looks like an absolute showstopper! We love this bruschetta salmon, topped with a tomatoey dressing.
Tuscan chicken is a delightful dinner recipe, and would certainly go down a treat at dinner parties. Becky's version is also gluten-free, which is a win-win if you're serving up for Coeliac guests.
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Fill guests in on the plans when they arrive — when dinner should be ready, who else is coming and where the bathroom is. As the host, you set the tone for the evening. Guests will feel your tension, so if you aren't relaxed, guests will feel tense and unwelcome. Make sure everyone is comfortable.
If you like nostalgic party activities, invite a small group of friends over to play classic board games like Sorry! and Life. Make sure the competition stays light and keep an eye out for any cheaters!
Consider adding a personalized menu, creating a special table setting, or adding a unique decoration to the table. Timing is everything: The element of surprise is all about timing. Consider when to present the surprise, whether it's at the beginning of the meal or at the end.
Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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