Curate a Guest List

When hosting your first few dinner parties, aim for a group of four to six guests. It keeps the cooking manageable and ensures the gathering feels intimate rather than overwhelming.

Invite friends who already know one another, then mix in one or two newer, outgoing guests who can easily blend into the group. This balance helps conversation flow naturally and avoids anyone feeling left out.

Send invitations three to four weeks in advance — enough time for guests to save the date, but not so far ahead that it slips their mind. And whenever possible, stick to a weekend. That way, everyone can fully enjoy the evening without worrying about early alarms the next morning.

Choose the Perfect Theme

You don’t need a milestone occasion to host a dinner party, but having a theme helps set the tone for everything else — from decorations and menus to playlists and even attire.

The options are endless: a seasonal gathering inspired by fall harvest flavors, a whimsical night channeling your favorite childhood book, or an excuse to finally wear that statement outfit hiding in your closet. Themes bring coherence and anticipation, turning the evening into something more than “just dinner.”

Decide on a Menu

At any dinner party, the menu is the heart of the evening. Aim for dishes that feel elevated yet approachable — flavorful, filling, and comfortably within your skill level. A simple formula always works: start with an appetizer and light starter, follow with a standout main, finish with dessert, and round things out with after-dinner drinks.

Stick to recipes you’ve made before, or try “fancy but simple” dishes that impress without stress. For a more relaxed vibe, skip the formal meal and serve small plates or tapas, letting guests graze and mingle as they please.

At Maxwell, the food sets the tone for the entire evening. A thoughtful menu delights your guests as well as creates the rhythm for the night’s conversations and connections.

Decorate Your Space

Once you’ve chosen a theme, let the details carry it through. Dress the table with a cloth and linens, set out full place settings with the right glassware, and scatter tealight candles for that warm glow regular lighting can’t touch.

Personal touches go a long way — handwritten place cards or a menu for the evening make guests feel both welcomed and considered. When arranging seating, mix it up by placing friends next to people they don’t know well. It sparks fresh conversation and keeps the energy moving across the table rather than narrowing in on just one or two interactions.

At Maxwell dinners, where ambiance and seating are curated as carefully as the menu. Because when the space feels intentional, the night feels special.

Keep the Drinks Flowing

A great menu deserves the right drinks to match — and plenty of them. You don’t need to splurge on an elaborate bar setup; a thoughtful selection goes a long way. Stock both red and white wine, add beer or cider, and always include non-alcoholic choices so every guest feels considered.

Offer a few staples like vodka, gin, or whiskey, with simple mixers to keep things versatile. You can also greet guests with a signature cocktail instead. It sets the tone from the moment they walk in and gives your party an instant point of personality.

Go Easy on Yourself

If you’re new to hosting dinner parties, don’t aim for perfection right out of the gate. While it may be tempting to try and impress your friends with an over-the-top evening, setting the bar too high will only create stress and keep you from enjoying your own party.

Instead, prepare in advance with a menu and theme you know you can pull off with ease. Give yourself room to relax — because the truth is, a few unexpected hiccups are part of the charm. Guests don’t come expecting flawless execution; they come for connection, laughter, and the effort you’ve put into bringing everyone together.

Plan a Special Activity

One of the best ways to elevate your girls’ night is by adding a creative activity that everyone can enjoy. From designing a custom wide-brimmed hat to learning hand-stitching techniques, or even making a personalized bracelet to add to your daily stack, the possibilities are endless. These shared experiences spark connection and give everyone a keepsake to take home — a little reminder of the night. Thinking outside the box with activities ensures your evening feels unique, playful, and unforgettable.

The Perfect Home for Girls’ Dinners

At Maxwell, each dinner becomes a stage for connection and creativity. Our open-kitchen design invites you into the cooking process, blurring the line between host and guest, dinner and conversation.

Sip cocktails in the Garden Room, enjoy bites around the kitchen counter, or carry the evening into the Grand Room for a polished, elevated setting.

Book a tour of Maxwell and see how we turn dinners into experiences that spark connection, creativity, and stories worth sharing.