From Scratch

The Ultimate From-Scratch Dinner Party

How to Create a Fully Customized Meal Experience"

Imagine this: You’re hosting a dinner party where every detail, from the food to the ambiance, is created entirely from scratch. No pre-made sauces or store-bought decorations – just pure, homemade magic. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting a meal, setting the perfect table, and creating an atmosphere that feels entirely yours. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an evening with friends, crafting a completely from-scratch dinner experience is an unforgettable way to show your guests how much you care. Let’s dive into how you can bring this dream to life, from the food to the table settings, and everything in between.

Follow these steps to plan and execute a fully from-scratch dinner party, from the menu to the ambiance.

1. Plan Your Menu

• The most important part of any dinner party is the food! When crafting your menu from scratch, think about the overall flow of the meal and how the courses will complement each other. Aim for a balance of flavors, textures, and colors to keep things exciting from start to finish.

• Ideas for a Complete Menu:

  • Appetizer: Homemade bruschetta with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

  • Main Course: Roasted chicken or a hearty vegetarian risotto.

  • Sides: Seasonal roasted vegetables, fresh homemade bread, and a zesty salad with homemade vinaigrette.

  • Dessert: Warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream made from scratch.

• Where to Get Inspiration:

  • Check out Bon Appétit for from-scratch recipes and culinary techniques.

  • New York Times Cooking

  • Cookie & Katie

  • Sallys Baking Addiction

2. Craft Signature Beverages

• No dinner party is complete without the perfect drinks to match the meal. For a fully from-scratch experience, try making your own cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages using fresh ingredients.

• Ideas for Homemade Drinks:

  • Cocktail: Fresh cucumber and mint mojitos with homemade simple syrup.

  • Mocktail: Sparkling berry lemonade made from fresh lemons and berries.

  • Non-Alcoholic: Homemade iced tea with a splash of fresh fruit.

• Where to Get Inspiration:

  • Garnish

  • A Bar Above

  • Craft & Cocktails

3. Prepare Your Plateware and Glassware

• Get creative with these diys! Making your own custom plateware and glassware sounds daunting but we’ve included a complete step by step guide on how to do it at home as well as a full list of resources to create these pieces outside the home. Whichever level of commitment you want to pour into this project, we’ve got you covered!

• At Home

  • Plateware Guide!

  • Glassware Guide

• Classes & Studios

  • Local Classes & Studios typically pop up with a google search! Try searching

    • Pottery Studios near me

    • Glass Blowing classes near me

    • Ceramic making classes near me

  • Groupon is a great spot to gain some inspiration on what businesses are local to you

• Ideas & Inspiration:

4. Design Your Table Settings

• A beautifully set table elevates the entire dining experience. You can make your own placemats or napkins from fabric that matches your theme or season, and a simple centerpiece crafted with flowers, candles, or even ingredients from the dinner!

• Ideas for Table Settings:

  • Homemade Napkins: Sew your own napkins from linen or cotton fabric in a color that complements your dishes.

  • Centerpieces: Create a floral arrangement from seasonal flowers, or use fresh herbs or fruits as a centerpiece for a natural, fresh touch.

  • Place Cards: Make your own place cards using paper and natural elements like leaves or twigs.

• Where to Get Supplies:

• Michaels for fabric and craft supplies

• Terrain for beautiful home décor and table setting ideas.

• Trader Joes

• Avery for place cards

• Canva for place cards, find our template here!

5. Set the Mood with Lighting and Ambiance

• Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of your dinner party. Consider using homemade candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also add string lights, lanterns, or rustic lamps for a cozy, intimate feel.

• Lighting Ideas:

  • Homemade custom candles for a warm, natural glow.

  • String lights or fairy lights for a whimsical touch.

• How to Make

  • Candle Making Guide here!

• Where to Buy:

  • Purchase candle-making supplies from CandleScience or Etsy for unique, handcrafted candles.