Padma Lakshmi Knows Exactly Where Every Dinner Party's Vibe Comes From

When you're anticipating hosting a group of people in your home for a dinner party, it's easy to get lost in the details. Preparing the menu, sourcing the ingredients, and setting out pretty platters of food are all important. But, as tempting as it might be to strive to perfect pitchers of balanced cocktails and design a simple yet elegant table setting, TV star and author Padma Lakshmi seeks to remind all of you aspiring hosts to not lose sight of what truly matters: the people in attendance, and, as the host, that also includes you. 

In an interview with Food & Wine, Lakshmi explained that creating an environment in which guests feel welcomed and warm is her primary motivation when organizing events. "The ambiance in a dinner party is created by the people," Lakshmi said. But, she went on to add another very important note, noting that "the one thing that will either make or break the party is whether the host is frazzled or has it under control." By following tips for hosting a relaxed dinner party at home, Lakshmi said she can focus on sharing genuine memories with her guests. 

When the dinner host is relaxed and focused, a similar energy will be reflected throughout the evening. Whatever you need to do to feel like you have the party under control, do it. Batch make cocktails, set up scattered drink stations for guests to prepare their cocktails themselves, or prepare dishes that can be quickly set onto tables so that stress is eliminated and vibes remain high. Padma Lakshmi recommends preparing the majority of the menu ahead of time so you don't have to cook during the actual event. Should nerves creep in before the dinner begins, a mental run-through of responsibilities that need to be taken care of so that you can focus on conversation – instead of listening for an oven alarm to sound — can help ease pre-party anxieties.

Like Lakshmi, the intentional care you show before, during, and after the event will help create lasting memories for your guests and loved ones. From adding friends' favorite songs to playlists, to setting out special recipes gushed over by attendees, your attention to detail will boost the vibes and ease any of hosting worries.