hosting a virtual dinner party from home

just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we can’t throw a dinner party for two or more.  today, we’re talking how to host a virtual dinner party.  it might take a bit of planning on your part to send the invites and get everyone on board as far as date and time. but just like at-home dinner parties, it’s worth the time and effort to galvanize your friends and family. these days, it’s so easy to feel alone and isolated, so we need to make every effort to stay connected. and i’ve always loved opening my home and breaking bread. today, i get to try a new way to do just that. remember, guests will make or break the party, so four to six is a good number to start with. it’s small enough to keep the banter rolling but not large enough to have everyone shouting talking over one another. 

how to host a virtual dinner party

if everyone on your invite list is tech-savvy, you may or may not want to have a trial run with Facetime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Houseparty.app or Skype. just make certain each guest is familiar with your go-to platform. it’s sooooo frustrating when everyone’s gathered at the appointed time and date, but one person is struggling with the log-in. but all of the social platforms are easy to navigate; it’s just becoming familiar with which button to hit and when. the Houseparty.app adds extra features like games and quizzes. Quick Draw, Trivia, and Head’s Up are just a few. anyone remember Pictionary? mr. style, and i frequently pulled that game out at dinner parties, and our guests loved playing. 

this post brought to you by Ann Taylor

step 1:  pick a menu

pick a menu. it might be as easy picking out one dish for everyone to cook then compare notes. one of my favorite pastimes is plopping in a  chair and scouring cookbooks. my most cherished possession is a cookbook from my Nana with handwritten notes scribbled next to recipes. or you might want everyone to fend for themselves whip up individual meals then swap recipes. or support your favorite local restaurant and order take-out. and they truly need our love and patronage to weather these stormy times. it’s up to you, so have fun and get creative.

c/o gingham pants | top (old, similar here and here)

step 2:  set the scene

set the scene. yes, set the table as if everyone is headed to your house for dinner. flowers – check. placemats – check. napkins – check. wine – check. don’t forget your computer will be seated at the table too. the temps are on the warm side today, so time to open my porch for an alfresco meal. 

step three: happy hour

kick off the evening with a virtual happy hour. quarantini anyone?

step four:  conversation

steer the conversation towards happy and future events. come prepared with three or four icebreakers. and keep the conversation flowing.

step five:  dress the part

dress the part. yes, ladies, it’s a dinner party, so let’s have fun and dress up.  what says spring more than a pastel color palette? y’all know how much i love blazers. this time of year, they are a must-have as temps bounce from chilly to warm. this little number from Ann Taylor is a muted shade of purple called dreamy lilac. and it’s a dream to wear with piped trim and notched lapel. it’s made of linen, polyester, rayon, and spandex, and if you can believe it, it’s machine washable.

and what about a plaid skirt with a double flounce hem? it’s the perfect combination of fun and flirty. it comes with a self-tie belt if you want a little extra flair. i paired the plaid skirt with a simple winter white blouse with Nehru collar. it has a shirttail hem that you can tuck or untuck to your heart’s content.

last but not least are a snazzy pair of suede sandals with a comfy block heel.  all-in-all Ann Taylor has me covered for my virtual dinner party.

c/0 skirt | c/o blouse | c/o blazer | c/o sandals

a big thank you to Ann Taylor for this sponsored post. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring fresh ideas.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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