The ultimate student guide to hosting a dinner party
Thinking about throwing your own student dinner party? Prepare to be the host with the most with these recommendations for a top-class evening of entertainment.
From invitations and games to casual dinner party menu ideas, we have everything you need to ensure your student party goes down a storm. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Create a buzz with inventive invitations
The first step for any dinner party is creating a guest list and sending out your invitations. Consider setting a theme or colour scheme for the event – it could be vibrant or minimalist chic – and incorporate it into your invitations to give guests a flavour of what is to come.
It’s all too easy to send a group text to your chosen circle of attendees, so why not spruce things up with a printed invitation? Show off your design skills or cheat with a ready-made template in Canva – just swap the colours to match the style of your party.
Nail the decor to make a great first impression
Get your student accommodation ready by setting the table and putting up any props ahead of time – this will give that ‘wow factor’ when your guests walk in. This is where you can really express yourself and explore your chosen theme for the dinner party.
For a more formal touch that will leave your guests impressed with the attention to detail, consider printing out copies of your dinner party menu and laying these on the table, giving them a sneak preview of the delicious courses that lie ahead.
Devise a winning dinner party menu
You may want to pick a particular cuisine for your dinner party menu that matches the wider theme of the evening – this can help provide some steer when selecting your meals and shopping around for ingredients.
With the theme set, you can then decide how many courses you want to serve – as well as if you want to go for a more challenging or easy dinner party menu. Consider how many guests you’ll need to serve and don’t be ashamed to drop down to a two-course menu or even just a main if you’re expecting a large crowd!
Sumptuous starters to kick off proceedings
Struggling with inspiration for your starter? You can’t go wrong with soup or selection of cheeses paired with crusty bread – both are excellent vegetarian options and perfect for chillier evenings.
Another easy dinner party starter is a charcuterie board, complete with olives, cheeses and any other nibbles you know your guests are inclined to. Alternatively, whip up a mushroom pâté and serve with bread.
Marvellous mains that will steal the show
If you’re looking for an easy but delicious main for your student dinner party, one-pot dishes like chilli con carne, seafood pasta or a veggie curry are great options that provide a budget-friendly way for students to cook.
Other student favourites drawing on simple ingredients you may already have lying around include tacos, spaghetti Bolognese and enchiladas. For baking enthusiasts, a hearty homemade pie is another top choice.
Showstopping desserts to finish on a high
After delivering two freshly made courses, there’s no shame in serving a ready-made dessert from the supermarket – but if you insist on making a third course there are plenty of cheap and easy options that your guests will love.
Brownies, butter pudding and apple crumble are classics that every student can prepare with the help of YouTube tutorial. Alternatively, you can still impress with a no-bake dessert such as cheesecake.
Raise the energy levels with some games
While your guests relax, suggest some table games to keep the conversation going. Trivia games with pub-quiz-style questions are great for getting the mind going again after an indulgent multi-course meal.
For something a bit more fun and light-hearted, draw on classics like ‘Never Have I Ever’ or ‘Two Truths and a Lie’. If you’re feeling really brave, bring out those infamous ‘Cards of Humanity’.
Part ways after an evening to remember
After wishing your departing guests well, it’s time to give yourself a big pat on the back! Hosting a dinner party is no easy feat – especially on a student budget. Now it's up to one of your guests to host a dinner party of their own!
In the meantime, you’ve earned the right to enjoy a meal or two out. Check out some of our other blogs where you can learn more about the UK’s best food festivals or explore our city-specific foodie guides.