It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, right? And though your calendar may quickly seemed stuffed to the brim with events, parties, and holiday obligations, there’s nothing like a cozy dinner party to ring in the season with the ones you love.

But if just the thought of planning a holiday dinner party has you breaking a sweat, we’ve got your back. Take a deep breath and check out our expert tips for hosting a flawless gathering you’ll remember for years to come.

1. Set the Ambiance

A truly unforgettable dinner party isn’t just about delicious food and good company. Set your meal apart by paying attention to the subtle details many hosts overlook. Take time to create the perfect ambiance by dimming the lights, adding candles, and turning on a playlist that suits the mood.

2. Use a Tried and True Recipe

Dinner parties are not the time to experiment in the kitchen, unless you want to risk having a flop of a meal. Instead, cook something you’ve made many times — one you know will be a crowd-pleaser. And don’t forget to consider any dietary restrictions your guests might have!

3. Prep In Advance

Make the night of the dinner party go much more smoothly by prepping as much as you can the night before. Have a full day of work on the night of the party? You can even go so far as to set the table the night before. Other tasks you can prepare in advance? Create a centerpiece, chop vegetables, bake dessert, make dough, whip up a dressing, or clean the house.

4. Let Guests Help

You may be tempted to try to do all of the cooking and setup yourself on the night of the dinner party, but that would be a rookie mistake. Guests love to feel needed and involved, and you’ll love having a hand in the kitchen. So let them help with dishes, chopping food, or bringing wine to the party.

5. Have Some Conversation Starters Ready

Even if you’ve planned the perfect menu and set the mood, your dinner party could take a turn for the worse if your guests aren’t mingling with ease. Keep the conversation going with some pre-planned games or get-to-know-you questions.

Try Grocery Delivery Service

Another great way to ensure your dinner party goes off without a hitch is by using convenient grocery delivery. All Seasons grocery delivery service in Park City allows you to plan your menu and get all your groceries without ever leaving the couch. Order from All Seasons today and enjoy the beauty of groceries delivery, right to your front door.