Throw a dinner like Martha Stewart? Everyone wants that. Here&#39;s how to make the party a success!

The art of hosting has been shaped more by one woman in recent decades than by <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Stewart" title="Martha Stewart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martha Stewart</a> . With her iconic book &quot;Entertaining ,&quot; published in the 1980s and still considered the bible of stylish hosting, she rewrote the rules—and elevated hosting to a lifestyle. But what makes a dinner party truly unforgettable? It&#39;s a harmonious interplay of planning, details, and a personal touch. If you want to offer your guests more than just good food, you start with the atmosphere.<h3> The magic of preparation</h3> As Martha Stewart herself emphasizes, &quot;The key to a successful evening is preparation.&quot; If, as the host, all you have to do on the evening itself is light candles and touch up your lipstick, you&#39;ve done everything right. Menu, drinks, seating arrangements—the more you plan in advance, the more relaxed the evening will be. An elegant trick: A small to-do list with a timeline. When should the wine go in the fridge, when should the roast be taken out of the oven, when should the flowers be put on the table? This way, everything stays on track between aperitifs and dessert.<h3> The table as a stage</h3> First impressions count – and that starts with setting the table. Whether opulent or minimalist, the table can be an extension of your personality. Fine china, cloth napkins, vintage glasses, or handwritten place cards – attention to detail counts here. Trend-conscious hosts are currently opting for a combination of classic elements with a touch of nature. Linen instead of damask, olive branches instead of opulent bouquets of roses. This creates a relaxed yet stylish impression. As Martha would say: &quot;It should look beautiful—but not as if you&#39;re afraid to put down your glass.&quot;

Martha Stewart

<h3>Menu with personality</h3> A dinner party isn&#39;t a cooking show—it&#39;s an expression of indulgence and generosity. Instead of fussing over complicated recipes, it&#39;s often more elegant to rely on tried-and-true dishes with a twist. A creamy risotto with truffle oil, fresh burrata with figs and honey, or a French tarte tatin to finish—the main thing is that it tastes like home with a touch of something special. Here, too, Martha Stewart shows how it&#39;s done: In her numerous cookbooks, you&#39;ll find dishes that are both tried and tested and impressive – and never lose sight of the guest.<h3> The spirit of the hostess</h3> Perhaps the most important ingredient of any dinner party is the host themselves. Warm, present, attentive—but never stressed. A good host ensures that everyone feels seen. This begins with <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/travel-gourmet/warum-mocktails-das-ultimative-it-getraenk-sind" title="Welcome drink">the welcome drink</a> and ends with a loving farewell—perhaps accompanied by a small surprise to take home, such as homemade chocolates or a small scented candle. As Martha Stewart once said, “Entertaining should be a joy, not a chore.” Those who invite with heart and soul not only create a dinner, but memories. Photos: Shutterstock

The Art of Hosting: How to Throw Unforgettable Dinner Parties

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