{"id":6073,"date":"2015-10-21T07:00:58","date_gmt":"2015-10-21T12:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/?p=6073"},"modified":"2015-10-21T07:00:58","modified_gmt":"2015-10-21T12:00:58","slug":"how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan a Last-Minute Dinner Party"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Picture this: Just as you\u2019re relaxing after dinner on Thursday night, your phone rings. Your best friend\u2019s future in-laws are coming to town Friday evening and she only just found out ten minutes ago. She wants to organize a small last-minute dinner party for her and her new fianc\u00e9, his parents, and his two sisters.<\/p>\n<p>Your friend has never met her fianc\u00e9\u2019s family before and they haven\u2019t actually announced their engagement yet, so she needs to make a good impression. She knows you\u2019re a successful event planner and she also knows you\u2019re free tomorrow, so she asks for your help organizing the dinner. You\u2019re always up for a challenge, so you tell her you\u2019ll help.<\/p>\n<p>Here are nine tips for organizing a great last-minute dinner party!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Food-for-last-minute-dinner-party.jpg\" alt=\"Food for last-minute dinner party\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6079\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Food-for-last-minute-dinner-party.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Food-for-last-minute-dinner-party-300x181.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/> <\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#1_Have_a_game_plan\" >1. Have a game plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#2_Be_realistic_about_cooking\" >2. Be realistic about cooking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#3_Last-minute_venues\" >3. Last-minute venues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#4_Keep_decor_simple\" >4. Keep d\u00e9cor simple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#5_Dont_forget_presentation\" >5. Don\u2019t forget presentation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#6_Keep_dietary_needs_in_mind\" >6. Keep dietary needs in mind<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#7_Be_flexible\" >7. Be flexible<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#8_Accept_help\" >8. Accept help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#9_Dont_forget_the_details\" >9. Don\u2019t forget the details<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2015\/10\/how-to-plan-a-last-minute-dinner-party\/#Have_you_ever_organized_a_dinner_party_at_the_last_minute_How_did_you_handle_the_pressure_Tell_us_about_your_experience_in_the_comments_below\" >Have you ever organized a dinner party at the last minute? How did you handle the pressure? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Have_a_game_plan\"><\/span>1. Have a game plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The second you\u2019ve committed to organizing a last minute dinner, start planning immediately! Establish a timeline and make lists so you don\u2019t forget to do or buy important things.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Establish a timeline. By when do you need to have certain things done?<\/li>\n<li>Make a \u201cto buy\u201d list. What do you need to get started?<\/li>\n<li>Make a \u201cto do\u201d list. In what order should you complete your steps?<\/li>\n<li>Make a list of reminders. Did your friend tell you her father-in-law is allergic to peanuts? Write down things you\u2019ll need to keep in mind while you plan.<\/li>\n<li>Make a last-minute checklist. Which things should you do or check on last minute to make sure everything is ready?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Be_realistic_about_cooking\"><\/span>2. Be realistic about cooking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019re there to plan the event, not to cater. Is your friend a great cook with a list of recipes up her sleeve? Help her decide which dishes are best and gather the ingredients, then leave her to it while you continue planning.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Groceries are cheaper than catering<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019ll be in more control of the meal preparation timeline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Is your friend the kind of cook who could burn water? Choose a caterer who can provide you with a delicious meal on short notice.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eliminate the risk of a burned meal<\/li>\n<li>Menus give you more choices than limited cooking skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Catering-for-last-minute-dinner-party.jpg\" alt=\"Catering for last-minute dinner party\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6081\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Catering-for-last-minute-dinner-party.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Catering-for-last-minute-dinner-party-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Weigh your options. Saving money is important but it\u2019s not worth setting the house on fire!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Last-minute_venues\"><\/span>3. Last-minute venues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For a small party like your friend\u2019s, it might make sense to have dinner a home.<\/p>\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Most of the things you\u2019ll need are already in place<\/li>\n<li>You don\u2019t have to worry about giving the family directions to a venue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>She\u2019ll have to clean up before and after the dinner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What if her kitchen is under renovation? Perhaps her favorite Italian restaurant has a cozy, stylish back room you can rent, taking care of the venue and the food in one place!<\/p>\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Your friend can concentrate on socializing if she\u2019s not worrying about preparing food and drinks<\/li>\n<li>The space will be clean and ready<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Hosting in a venue can be expensive<\/li>\n<li>Eating in a restaurant is less intimate, even in a private dining room<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ask your friend what she can afford and where she\u2019d be more comfortable hosting. Remember she\u2019s trying to make a good impression.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Last-minute-dinner-party-at-restaurant1.jpg\" alt=\"Last-minute dinner party at restaurant\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Last-minute-dinner-party-at-restaurant1.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Last-minute-dinner-party-at-restaurant1-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Last-minute-dinner-party-at-restaurant1-768x440.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Keep_decor_simple\"><\/span>4. Keep d\u00e9cor simple<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Think about who\u2019s coming to dinner and what kind of party it is. Is d\u00e9cor an essential part of the experience, or is the aesthetic of the venue enough? For this scenario, making sure the area is clean and classy is probably enough. Set out candles, put your friend\u2019s most decorative pieces on display, and concentrate more on atmosphere than decoration. Other last minute events like birthday parties, however, might require actual decorations. Keeping the d\u00e9cor simple and appropriate to the crowd or celebration is the key. Going overboard with colored streamers will seem cheesy.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Dont_forget_presentation\"><\/span>5. Don\u2019t forget presentation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"column-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<p>Whether dinner is cooked or catered, good food presentation is impressive. Just because it\u2019s a last-minute affair doesn\u2019t mean your friend\u2019s family should eat from takeout cartons. Dishes aren\u2019t fun, but making a great impression to announce an engagement is worth getting out the fancy plates. Stylish details, like using heirloom plates rather than scratched plastic dishes, show how much care went into the night.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Keep_dietary_needs_in_mind\"><\/span>6. Keep dietary needs in mind<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When it comes to last-minute dinners, you might not have time to ask each guest their dietary needs. For a small party like this, your friend\u2019s fianc\u00e9 can probably tell you whether his family has allergies or food restrictions. If not, practice general caution. Keep common allergies, sensitivities, and diets in mind while you choose the menu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"369\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Food-presentation-at-dinner-party.jpg\" alt=\"Food presentation at dinner party\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Food-presentation-at-dinner-party.jpg 369w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Food-presentation-at-dinner-party-221x300.jpg 221w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 369px) 100vw, 369px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Be_flexible\"><\/span>7. Be flexible<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Things go wrong even at events that you had months to prepare for. Remember that some things are just beyond your control, especially when you only had 24 hours to plan. Be adaptable to minimize your own stress and keep a flexible mind frame. Don\u2019t assume that everything will go wrong, but be ready to problem-solve.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Accept_help\"><\/span>8. Accept help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You should keep a close eye on each detail, but don\u2019t be afraid to accept help when it\u2019s offered. You don\u2019t necessarily have to do everything yourself. Letting people help you can get things done quickly, giving you \u201cwiggle room\u201d in case of emergencies. Be smart about how you delegate and give people jobs they can handle. Accept help from people who are prepared to listen to you and make things happen.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"highlight\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Dont_forget_the_details\"><\/span>9. Don\u2019t forget the details<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An awesome meal is the focus of your friend\u2019s party, but don\u2019t let other details suffer. Remember that things like music, lighting, seating space, and beverage options also make for a really great night. Would flowers add a nice decorative touch? Maybe your friend\u2019s fianc\u00e9 knows his mother\u2019s favorite kind. Is your friend\u2019s new father-in-law a die-hard country music fan? Build a playlist beforehand for some comfortable background music. Make sure you have enough dishes for everyone for each course and enough seating in each room they\u2019ll use.<br \/>\nBe confident!<\/p>\n<p>Just because you\u2019re planning last-minute doesn\u2019t mean the event won\u2019t be great! Be smart about which steps you take first and try not to make things too complicated. Hearing guests describe your dinner as \u201csimple and elegant\u201d or \u201ceasy and fun\u201d can be even better than \u201chigh-class and fancy.\u201d Evaluate the situation, make the best of what you\u2019ve got, and perhaps most importantly, stay calm and confident!<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Have_you_ever_organized_a_dinner_party_at_the_last_minute_How_did_you_handle_the_pressure_Tell_us_about_your_experience_in_the_comments_below\"><\/span><i>Have you ever organized a dinner party at the last minute? How did you handle the pressure? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!<\/i><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Not all parties are planned months in advance. Sometimes unexpected gatherings arise and you need to put something together quickly! Here are 9 tips to help you plan a last-minute dinner party. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6077,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,3],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[345],"class_list":["post-6073","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy","category-event-planning-tips"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Plan a Last-Minute Dinner Party - Pointers for Planners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Need to organize an elegant dinner quickly? 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