Dua’s 5 Tips For Hosting A Great Dinner Party 

I’ve talked a lot on Service95 about my love for hosting – whether it’s a casual drink, a sit-down dinner, or having friends stay over, there’s something about having people at mine that I absolutely love. But the more I host, the more I realise that there’s a true art to it. There are so many elements; the music, the ambience, the lighting and, of course, the food and drink!

This week, we’ve got a collection of articles that bring all of these elements together: the party initiatives that unite DJs and chefs for unforgettable nights; a celebration of iconic hosts from literature; and a love letter to messy dinner parties. Plus, we go backstage with the ultimate host herself, Clara Amfo.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do. And, to get you started, here are my five tips for hosting at home...

1. Always serve some fun natural wines. And for friends who don’t drink, have non-alcoholic spirit options such as Seedlip and Ghia Apéritif.
2. A good playlist is essential – check out Service95’s Spotify for inspiration! 
3. My favourite dishes to serve are lots of sharing plates for everyone to dig into. 
4. Invite friends who you think will get along. Or don’t and see what happens! Who you put in the middle of the table is very important. As per Larry David from Curb Your Enthusiasm, choose someone who can keep the conversation flowing on both sides. 
5. Plan an after-dinner game to really break the ice. My favourites are Cards Against Humanity, We’re Not Really Strangers or Where Should We Begin? by Esther Perel. 

Dua x