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The Dinner Party Checklist

A 5-day plan for hosting 6 people without losing your mind.

5 days out · Monday

Decide and invite

Set the date, time, and guest count (6 is the sweet spot).
Pick the menu: one main that mostly cooks itself, one cold side, one warm side, bought dessert, simple starter (cheese + olives + nuts).
Send invites by text. Ask about dietary restrictions.
Write the shopping list. Every item, even salt and butter.

2 days out · Thursday

Shop and clean

One grocery trip. Bring the written list.
Pick up wine: 1 bottle per 2 guests + 1 extra (4 bottles for 6 people).
Clean only the rooms guests will see: entry, dining, living, bathroom.
Fresh hand towel and soap in the bathroom. Take out the trash.

1 day out · Friday

Prep ahead

Make sauces, dressings, marinades. Refrigerate.
Wash, dry, and chop vegetables. Store in containers.
Slice bread if serving. Plate the bought dessert and cover.
Chill the white wine and any sparkling.
Confirm head count if anyone has been quiet.

Day of · 4 hours out

Cook and set

Eat lunch. Hosts who skip food crash at 9pm.
Start the main. Set the table while it cooks.
Finish the warm side. Assemble the salad, don't dress it.
Empty the dishwasher so it's ready for after dinner.
Shower and change before the kitchen heats up.

Day-of timeline (for a 7pm dinner)

9:00Coffee, breakfast. Don't cook yet.

4:30Final side prep. Salad ready, undressed.

11:00Kitchen reset. Finish remaining prep.

5:00Final kitchen tidy. Run dishwasher.

12:00Eat lunch (actually eat lunch).

5:30Water glasses, salt, pepper, starter out.

2:00Shower and change.

6:00Sit down for 30 minutes. Non-negotiable.

3:00Start the main (braise, roast, one-pot).

6:30Light candles. Music on. Open the red.

4:00Set the table. 90 seconds per seat.

7:00Doors open. Pour drinks. Dinner at 7:45.

Wine and drink math

Wine: 1 bottle per 2 guests + 1 extra. 2 reds + 2 whites for 6 people.
Always a non-alcoholic option (sparkling water with citrus, minimum).
Water on the table before guests arrive. Carafe or pre-poured.
Aperitif (optional): one bottle of sparkling covers 6 for one pour.

What to skip

A homemade dessert your first time (the bakery is right there).
Place cards under 8 guests. Let people sit where they want.
A signature cocktail. Save it for party number five.
Folded napkin shapes. A simple fold beats a swan.
Cleaning while guests are there. Stack the sink and walk away.

This week's shopping list (serves 6)

Fill in Monday. One trip Thursday.

Protein / Main

Produce

Pantry / Spices

Dairy / Cheese

Bread / Dessert

Wine / NA drinks