37 Fancy-ish Dinner Party Ideas

Maybe you’re a dinner party maximalist. You delight in creating a tablescape, curating a playlist, and cooking enough food to send everyone home with leftovers. Or maybe you don’t even have a dining table and are hosting your whole family for the first time. No matter which type of host you are, we’re here to help you throw the dinner party of your dreams.

You can start with low-maintenance appetizers, like gussied-up chips, or go fancy with a platter of oysters—this cheat code will make shucking a breeze. You can make your kitchen the stage of the show, twirling saffron pasta or slicing steak au poivre à la minute, or sit back and let the oven do the work (this slow-roasted salmon is an excellent hands-off option). You can even make the main entirely in advance: Brisket Bourguignon and Saucy Pollo Guisado taste even better the next day.

We’ve got plenty more tips on hosting a memorable soirée—and doing so on a budget. But remember, there’s no wrong way to party. So queue up some tunes, light some candles, and let’s have fun.