Candice Kumai, wellness journalist and author of Clean Green Eats, is a pro at entertaining. Here are her tips on how to win the dinner party game every time.
Host Gabe Kennedy hates when he goes to a party and the playlist doesn't add to the vibe. He suggests "thinking about the emotions you want to evoke at the party," and then curate a playlist that will get you there. For example, when Kumai is teaching men how to throw "a really nice, sexy dinner night with their girl," she tells them to put some thought into it—hitting Spotify every time just won't do.
Encourage people to break out of their usual "cliques." As Kumai says, it's a "great thing to walk away from a party with new human connection." Introduce unlikely pairings together, like two friends who work in entirely different fields.
Kennedy recommends putting out a basket in the entryway where guests can forfeit their phones. Without that distraction, conversation will be livelier and it'll keep shy guests from retreating to a last minute email. When the beautiful food comes out, Kennedy makes an exception: Go ahead, take that Instagram.
Not having enough space to place your glass or plate down is probably one of everyone's party pet peeves. Kumai suggests putting countertop appliances away, which is an especially a good idea if you're hosting a cocktail party in a small apartment.
Make as much as you can the night before, like the quinoa, kale, pepitas, and Kabocha squash salad from Kumai's book, Clean Green Eats. Quinoa holds up overnight, and it's easy to assemble once your guests arrive.
There's no shame in taking your guests up on their offer to help. Do as Kumai does and "delegate tasks"—it'll actually make everyone feel like they've contributed to the success of the party.