The Easiest Things to Prep in Advance When Hosting a Dinner Party or Holiday

Hosting is supposed to be fun but let’s be real, nothing kills the vibe faster than running around in panic mode while guests hover in your kitchen. The secret? Do as much as you can before the first doorbell rings.

Here’s what you can easily prep ahead so you can pour yourself a drink, light the candles, and actually enjoy your own party.

1. The Table

Set it the night before it’s one less thing on your list, and it immediately makes you feel organized and ready!

Lay down tablecloth

Stack plates and polish glassware.

Fold napkins and tie them with velvet napkin bows so they are ready to go! 

💡 Pro tip: Our embroidered No Reservations napkins (like the “Please Leave by 9” or Party Archetype set) hold their folds perfectly overnight.

2. Appetizers & Starters

Anything that can sit happily in the fridge is your best friend.

• Cheese boards can be wrapped and refrigerated.

• Dips like hummus, guac, or whipped feta actually taste better the next day.

• Cocktail napkins can be pre-styled on trays so all you do is place the food.

3. Drinks & Bar Setup

No one likes waiting for their drink while you stress over playing bartender.

• Premix cocktails (margaritas, sangria, negronis) in pitchers.

• Chill wine, sparkling water, and beer the night before.

• Prep garnishes lemon wedges, herbs, and cocktail olives (we always like to have a variety!) so guests can serve themselves.

💡 Entertaining hack: Add wine charms to glasses in advance so everyone knows which one is theirs.

4. Desserts

Dessert is where you can really get ahead.

• Pies, brownies, crisps, or cakes all keep beautifully overnight.

• Store bought desserts feel luxe served on a cake stand with cheeky napkins tucked underneath.

• Have guests bring dessert! 

5. The Little Details

These take minutes in advance and make you look like a pro:

• Music playlist queued.

• Guest bathroom stocked with fresh towels + a lit candle + fresh florals

• Parting favors (like wrapped cookies, mini honey jars, or wine charms) ready in a basket by the door.

The Takeaway

If it doesn’t need to be hot or fresh, do it ahead. The more you prep before guests arrive, the more you get to sit, sip, and laugh with them. Because the point of hosting isn’t perfection it’s connection.

 Shop the Look: Prep once, impress always. Browse No Reservations napkins + bows for a table that looks styled days in advance »