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    Parties » Easy Casual Dinner Party Menu Ideas

    Easy Casual Dinner Party Menu Ideas

    Feb 27, 2021 · Last updated: Sep 3, 2021 by Gina Dickson · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

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    casual dinner party menu ideas

    Relax and enjoy hosting your friends with these casual dinner party menu ideas. With a little planning, you can create a relaxed and easy dinner party for you and your friends.

    casual dinner party ideas dishes of food
    Jump to:
    • Why have a casual dinner party?
    • Invitations
    • Hosting tips
    • Just before your guests arrive
    • When guests arrive
    • Easy dinner recipes you can make ahead
    • Quick and easy menu ideas
    • Crockpot party food
    • Instant Pot entertaining ideas
    • Air fryer entertaining ideas
    • Simple make ahead desserts
    • Dinner party drinks
    • More party ideas to try

    Why have a casual dinner party?

    In our fast-paced world, we all need to intentionally take time to sit down with friends and family to enjoy a slow-paced meal filled with conversation and encouragement. The importance is on spending time with others, so I share a few basic steps and menu ideas to throw a casual dinner party easily to take the stress out of hosting.

    Invitations

    First things first, decide on a date and ask your friends to join you for a casual dinner. Be upfront and tell them this is a laid-back casual dinner focusing on enjoying each other's company.

    You can purchase invitations to match your party theme or send them general all-purpose party invitations like this one. If you would like a free copy of this invitation, join my Member's Printable Hospitality Library. You can find it there to print for free!

    Blank party invitation

    Hosting tips

    The goal is to keep your menu simple. Choose a menu that doesn't require a lot of late prep work or last-minute cooking. It's a good idea to try and choose recipes that can be made ahead of time and heated up just before guests arrive.

    Planning

    Join my member's free printable library and download your own copy of my party planner. There is a menu planner and countdown task sheet that will help you easily organize your dinner. There is also a printable shopping list you can fill out and take to the grocery with you.

    Tips for preparing your dinner party ahead

    Keep yourself out of the kitchen when guests arrive with these few simple tips.

    • Cook as many items ahead of time as you can.
    • Wash and chop and slice veggies and fruits the day before. Keep them in an air-tight container with a damp paper towel. This will free up your time just before dinner.
    • Shred any cheese you might need and store in a zip-lock type bad in the fridge.
    • If you are serving baked goods, you can make them a week in advance and freeze them. Just allow them to thaw and slightly warm them before serving.
    • Prepare any sauces or dressings ahead of time. Store in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator.
    • Set the table the day before, and get out any serving dishes and utensils you might need.
    • Arrange a drink station or coffee bar the day before.
    • Splurge and prepare your food in disposable pans if possible. This will allow for quick clean-up after the meal so you can spend more time with your guest.

    Dinner party decor ideas

    Remember this is a casual dinner, so no fuss decorations are expected. Use a disposable table cloth or a simple runner down the center of your table. I have found some beautiful paper place settings that are beautiful but, more importantly, disposable. This will make clean-up a breeze and gives you more time to enjoy with your guest.

    Disposable Paper Plates and Cups Set

    Sea Blue Color Round Scalloped Rim Disposable Plastic Plate Set

    Table centerpiece ideas

    For your centerpiece, you could pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers from your local grocery store or use clippings from your yard. Combine some green plants with herbs to delight both the sense of seeing and smell. If it's winter, then purchase some whole lemons. Place them in a bowl and mix in between the lemons some fresh kale leaves.

    Just before your guests arrive

    • If it's dark, remember to turn on your porch and walkway lights.
    • Have a designated area for your guest to hang their coats.
    • Plugin your diffuser or light some scented candles.
    • Turn lights on in all the rooms you will be entertaining in.
    • Turn on some mood music. Try creating a playlist that your guest will enjoy.
    • Do one last check on your food.

    When guests arrive

    Once your dinner guests arrive, relax and enjoy yourself! This helps everyone else relax and feel welcomed. I like to ask my guest to help bring out the food or prepare their own drinks. This makes them feel at home and relaxed. Most importantly, don't worry if things don't go as you planned. Your focus is on a casual dinner with friends, enjoying good conversation, and making memories.

    Easy dinner recipes you can make ahead

    Remember, the goal is to have a no-fuss casual dinner party focused on good food and great conversations.

    Easy Mexican dinner menu

    vegan tomato soup

    Have a Mexican-themed dinner. Appetizers can be simple chips and Green Tomato Salsa Verde, which you can make the day before. If it's soup weather, then make a batch of Mexican Vegan Tomato Soup. Heat just before dinner and serve with cheese or crushed tortilla chips and avocado slices. You can make this Nacho Casserole the day before and cook it just before guests arrive.

    Easy soup night

    vegan white bean chili in a bowl topped with cilantro and lime

    It's always fun to have a soup night. Make in advance several soup choices such as White Bean Chili, Vegetable Chowder, or Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe. Serve with warm Vegan Beer Bread or a variety of crackers.

    Simple Italian menu

    spaghetti on a plate

    A simple meal to prepare ahead is a spaghetti dinner. Some of our family favorites are Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes. You can make ahead and then bake just before dinner some Italian Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread. Buy a simple Ceasar salad kit, and you have a whole meal in no time.

    Chicken Alfredo Bake | Make-Ahead Meal Mom
    Rich, creamy and absolutely delicious, you would never guess this came out of your freezer! Making your own chicken alfredo bake is easier than you think!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu idea

    Quick and easy menu ideas

    Quick and Easy Pulled Pork Chalupas
    Quick and easy pulled pork chalupa is a dinner that is ready in under half an hour but tastes like it slow cooked all day long.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party ideas chalupa
    Stuffed Pepper Casserole | Simplified One Pot & NO Pre-Cooking!
    All the magic of this comforting Stuffed Pepper Casserole happens in one pan, with no pre-cooking! Prep it ahead for a stress-free evening!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu idea peppers
    Delicious and Quick Chicken Paprikash! - Straight to the Hips, Baby
    My Chicken Paprikash shows off the full bodied flavors of smoked paprika and garlic, combined with bell peppers, onions, and savory chicken.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu ideas
    Easy Oven Baked Meatballs
    This recipe for oven baked meatballs is an easy weeknight dinner. The meatballs are made with ground turkey, a combination of spices and a few other basic ingredients. The meatballs are baked in the oven until tender and topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu ideas meatballs
    10-Minute Brie Mac And Cheese
    Thise brie mac and cheese brings home restaurant-quality pasta in just 10 minutes! Creamy brie cheese melted into every nook of the pasta!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Easy Cast Iron Whole Roasted Chicken (Gluten-Free, Paleo)
    A simple and easy cast iron whole roasted chicken that’s full of flavor, perfectly moist and tender, and just waiting to be served at the dinner table!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Easy Homemade Banitsa
    Delicious rolled banitsa with phyllo pastry sheets and white cheese. It is a Bulgarian speciality which you can make at home with common ingredients.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu ideas dish
    Easy Oven Roasted Fall Vegetables, Best Recipes Ever pictures

    Be sure and browse through these Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables for more great side dish ideas.

    Crockpot party food

    Mediterranean Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Bar - Two Healthy Kitchens
    Make taco night special with this Mediterranean Crock Pot Chicken Taco Bar recipe! Easy to prep ahead for busy nights! Perfect for parties or game day, too!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party ideas tacos
    Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
    Flavorful Italian comfort food that only takes 5 minutes to prep? Count me in! This popular Slow Cooker Beef Ragu recipe is easy to make & so scrumptious!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party ideas ragu
    Easy Greek Chicken (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or Stovetop) - Slender Kitchen
    The amazing Greek Chicken with lemon, garlic, and oregano is super tasty, healthy, and versatile. Prepare it in the slow cooker, Instant pot, stove, or grill!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party ideas greek chicken
    BEST Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe - BBQ Slow Cooker Pork Chops
    These Crock Pot Pork Chops are the perfect family dinner. Super tender, cooked in BBQ sauce and a special spice rub, then smothered with bacon and cheese!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party ideas crock pot pork

    Instant Pot entertaining ideas

    INSTANT POT ROAST BEEF ON TRAY

    Instant Pot Roast Beef and Lots of Gravy is a quick and easy main dish to cook in your instant pot. Wrap some large potatoes in foil and pop them in the oven an hour before your guest arrives. Serve the roast beef and gravy over the baked potatoes, or if mashed potatoes are more your style, try these Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes. Add roasted veggies or a side salad, and you have a hearty homecooked meal to serve.

    Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (Keto Friendly)
    Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is a quick and easy keto recipe. Healthy low carb electric pressure cooker recipe with just 5 net grams of carbs.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party ideas dish
    Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup
    This creamy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup ticks packs in the goodness of chicken, veggies and is super easy to make as well!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual party dinner menu ideas instant pot
    Instant Pot Olive Garden Low Carb Italian Chicken
    Instant Pot Italian Chicken with Olive Garden Dressing is an easy low carb, four ingredient recipe for the pressure cooker. It’s simple, yet delicious.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu ideas

    Air fryer entertaining ideas

    Easy Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas Recipe | Recipes From A Pantry
    These Air Fryer Fajitas are full of juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned veggies. Air fryer chicken fajitas are quick and easy to make with pantry staples.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    casual dinner party menu idea
    Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Crispy and Golden!) - Nourish Plate
    Extra Crispy Air Fryer chicken wings that are perfect for every gathering! They are crunchy from the outside, juicy & flavorful on the inside
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Simple make ahead desserts

    Everyone loves cookies, and they are the perfect make-ahead dessert for a casual dinner party. Serve with coffee or a scoop of ice cream.

    Coconut Cranberry Vegan Cookies
    Coconut Cranberry Vegan Cookies are gluten free, dairy free and low sugar so you can have a healthy alternative to your cookie cravings. The sweetness in these comes from the cranberries and coconut.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    cranberry coconut cookieCoconut Cranberry Vegan Cookies are gluten free, dairy free and low sugar so you can have a healthy alternative to your cookie cravings. The sweetness in these comes from the cranberries and coconut.
    Soft and Chewy Blackstrap Molasses Cookie Recipe
    This old-fashioned holiday favorite, Blackstrap Molasses Cookie recipe makes a soft and chewy cookie that has warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. With a few simple tips, you will have a soft chewy textured molasses cookie every time.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Soft and Chewy Blackstrap Molasses Cookies with bowl of molasses
    Pistachio Cookies Recipe
    This pudding mix Pistachio Cookies Recipe features a soft, chewy cookie, bits of crunchy pistachios, sweet dried cranberries, and a hint of almond. This easy cookie recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    pistachio cookies with cranberry on top with pistachios in a bowl and also dried cranberries
    Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies
    Easy to make, soft oatmeal cookie sandwiches filled with a layer of yummy fluffy white frosting will evoke sweet memories of the special snack cake, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies, your mother tucked into your lunch box.
    PIN FOR LATER
    Easy to make, soft oatmeal cookie sandwiches filled with a layer of yummy fluffy white frosting will evoke sweet memories of the special snack cake, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies, your mother tucked into your lunch box.
    Peanut Butter Cookies Without Eggs
    Serve up thick, soft and chewy peanut butter cookies without egg for a healthy cookie everyone will love. These easy cookies are gluten-free and vegan but packed with sweet peanut butter flavor to please the taste buds!
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    peanutbutter cookies without egg on a silver plate, cookbook pages under it
    Bacon Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Bacon Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet chewy chocolate chip cookie filled with little surprise bites of salty pretzels and bacon.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Bacon Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet chewy chocolate chip cookie filled with little surprise bites of salty pretzels and bacon. I would call these cookies the happy couple cookie, bacon and pretzels for the men and chocolate for the ladies. It's the best of both worlds all mixed up in a gooey cookie goodness.
    Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti
    Julia, from Jul's Kitchen, the famous Italian chef, teaches you everything you need to know to make Authentic Italian Almond Biscotti with this recipe. It's a classic Italian biscotti with a hint of citrus and almond flavor in a sweet, crisp cookie-like stick that turns out perfect every time.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Biscotti on a saucer with coffee

    Dinner party drinks

    spring mocktails drinks in glasses

    40 Spring Mocktails are the perfect fun party drink everyone will enjoy being served at a relaxing dinner party. Choose one of these 40 mocktails for an easy recipe that will delight your guests.

    Azalea Cocktail
    The famous Augusta Azalea Cocktail combines fruity sweetness with vodka to create a delicious, beautiful pink azalea colored drink.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Augusta Azalea Cocktail in a glass with golf book near
    Autumn Spiced Mocktail
    When sweaters go on then it's time to make this low-calorie perfectly wonderful Autumn Spiced Mocktail. Low-calorie cranberry juice is simmered with fresh ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and sliced granny smith apples to create a mocktail that is a sure crowd-pleaser for young and old.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    autumn spiced mocktail in a glass
    Apple Cider Mocktail
    This Apple Cider Mocktail a has tart apple cider flavor with warm maple sweetness and a surprising zip at the end that’ll make you question its zero-proof claim.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Apple Cider mocktail in glass with slice of apple and spring of smoking rosemary

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    About Gina Dickson

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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