Our Unofficial Guide To Hosting Successful Dinner Parties

Last updated: October 18, 2024

With several holidays, like Thanksgiving, around the corner, many of us are gearing up to host dinner parties for our family and friends.

Of course, the main course is at the heart of any successful gathering. However, there are quite a few things you can do to elevate your party and become the hostess with the mostess, as the cool kids say.

Below is our unofficial guide to throwing the best holiday party of the season:

Summit’s Unofficial Guide To A Successful Holiday Party

Simple Sides & Starters

It might be tempting to use your upcoming dinner party to try out that new stuffing recipe that calls for both raisins and cucumbers. Instead, keep the starters and sides simple and easy to make. This way, there’s bound to be something everyone can try and enjoy before you carve your turkey.

Think house salads, roasted vegetables, or you can even leave out a charcuterie board with your favorite mixes of cheeses, crackers, meats, and nuts (double-check that no one is allergic, or go with gluten-free options. This way, your main dish, whether that be a traditional turkey, a luxurious prime rib, or a tofu masterpiece, can be the standout star for the night.

Pro Tip: Simple doesn’t have to mean boring, and there are tons of ways to add flavor and excitement while keeping the menu plain. Are you planning on going with veggies as a starter or a side? Mixing vegetables of different shades and sizes will help your plate pop with color and texture.

Warming Drawer

Worried that a few of your guests won't arrive on time to enjoy a warm meal? For this reason, Summit has designed the industry's first convertible warming and cooling drawer.

Our SPHC30 can function as both a cooling drawer and a warming drawer with the simple touch of a button. When in Cooling Mode, the unit is perfect for keeping beverages and snacks chilled (temperatures range from 36°F/2°C to 43°F/6°C). Meanwhile, Warming Mode is ideal for helping keep dishes warm (temperatures range from 80°F/20°C to 200°F/95°C.) So everyone, no matter the time they arrive, can enjoy a warm meal, cooked with love.

Summit’s warming drawer is sure to help streamline all your heating needs, and even better, its unique drawer design means that you won’t have to sacrifice any counter space while using this model.

Floating Tap Kegerators

Most people don't consider having an 'at-home' kegerator due to the cost and the necessary counter construction. You're in luck; Summit's innovative lineup of commitment-free built-in kegerators offers maximum convenience, eliminating the need to alter countertops while keeping easy access to your guests' favorite beer on tap.

Our one-of-a-kind floating tap beer dispenser features a patent-pending design that separates the draft tower from the kegerator's top. The kegerator sits under your counter, while you can position the remote tower on top of it. You can quickly put away the lightweight tower when hosting teenagers, sober company, or disapproving relatives (every family has them!).

We also offer a front tap kegerator, where the twin taps are accessed via the unit's front door. These kegerators can be installed under the counter without modifying the countertop with a hole for the draft tower, saving countertop space and creating a more accessible kegerator experience. Even investing in a traditional kegerator can help elevate your upcoming dinner parties.

Investing in a kegerator will come with more benefits than fresh beer and convenience. Kegerators can be a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to buying beer bottles. Not to mention their versatility, you can use a kegerator for more than just beer, such as cold brew coffee, kombucha, cider, sodas, and even cocktails.

The Perfect Playlist

Of course, everyone is attending for the mouth-watering meal and good company, but that doesn't mean you don't need to worry about music. Having the perfect playlist can help set the mood and add to whatever ambiance you hope to achieve.

When it comes to music and creating a playlist for your dinner party, take a step back from your usual preferences and try your best to 'know your crowd.' If you aren't sure, you can never go wrong with the holiday classics, and you can even turn to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, both of which have a plethora of playlists curated based on mood and occasion.

Setting The Mood & Table

There's nothing like sitting down for a tasty meal at a well-decorated table. Setting the table just right is almost as important as the food you serve. You can keep things simple by opting for traditional fine china and embroidered place cards, or you can add eclectic centerpieces with colorful dishware and glasses.

Whichever aesthetic calls to you, make it your own! When it comes to setting the mood and table, experts advise mixing and matching table decor, with many stating that a uniform look can often be too formal and impersonal, even for formal dinner parties.

Wine Cellars

Keep all your guests happy throughout the gathering by ensuring their vino of choice is chilled to perfection and ready to be enjoyed—after a celebratory toast, that is. And once your guests realize you’ve gone the extra mile for them, there will be lots of cheering.

Our residential line features compact, undercounter, and full-sized choices, as well as ADA-compliant options for installation under lower counters. Not sure if you have the space for a wine cellar? Summit offers the SWC007, a slim 6" wide wine cellar designed for built-in use with an interior that can store and hold up to 7 Bordeaux-style bottles. You can even go beyond just wine, with dual and triple zone models that allow you to store other beverages, including sparkling water, beer, sodas, and mixers for cocktails and mocktails.

Icemakers

Of course, there's nothing better than a warm cup of cocoa or cider when the weather gets colder. Yet, hosting a dinner party without any ice would be a miss. Keeping various drinks chilled will take your dinner party to the next level.

Summit offers a vast selection of built-in undercounter icemakers, from stainless steel options to panel-ready units that seamlessly blend with your existing cabinetry for a streamlined design.

The BIM182ADA has a unique, slim 18" wide fit and creates up to 60 lbs of clear ice, helping complete any home bar without sacrificing the ever-needed counter space. Looking for something more versatile? Summit also offers drain-free icemakers that use less water and are a little more versatile in installation.

Following our unofficial guide is sure to help you have the HOLIDAY PARTY for all holiday parties. Keep in mind that this is also not a one-size-fits-all solution. Find the menu and decor that works for you, your dining space, and the guests you want to entertain, and the rest will fall into place.