Ina Garten's Top Tip For The Coziest Possible Dinner Party

With over a dozen cookbooks, a popular television show, and countless admirers, Ina Garten has become a household name for those who love good food and great company. But what exactly is her secret to creating the coziest possible dinner party? Believe it or not, it's all in the location. According to the Barefoot Contessa herself, the key to a truly memorable dinner party is to serve it in the kitchen. "I set the table in the kitchen, and it's a small kitchen," Garten told CNN while mentioning that it's okay to keep the setting slightly formal.

But it's not just about the location. Garten's tips for creating a cozy dinner party go far beyond that. From selecting the right music to greeting each guest personally, her attention to detail is second to none. Each aspect of the party is carefully considered to ensure that her guests are comfortable, happy, and thoroughly entertained.

So whether you're a seasoned dinner party host or a novice looking to impress, take a cue from Ina Garten and serve your next meal in the kitchen — the heart of the home, and the perfect setting for an intimate soirée. Looking to truly dazzle guests? Here are a few other ways to make them feel right at home.

Ina Garten is spot-on with her tip for hosting dinner parties in the kitchen — it's a convivial atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. Guests can chat with the hosts as they prepare the meal, grab a glass of wine from the counter, and nibble on appetizers while they wait for dinner to be served. There's something about being surrounded by the warmth of the oven, the scent of dinner cooking, and the sound of sizzling pans that makes a dinner party feel relaxed and personal. If cooking in front of an audience makes you nervous, Garten's got tips for improving your cooking game too. 

When it comes to setting the table, Garten revealed to CNN, "I set it the way you would set a dining room table. So it's good silver, it's nice china, it says you're family, we're eating in the kitchen like family, but you're special because I've made an effort to make it beautiful." She went on to add that a circular table is best so that everybody is seated at equal distances from each other.

Think this sounds like the space might feel a bit crowded? Don't worry; Garten has another top tip for you: Set up a buffet nearby on a kitchen counter or card table, and let guests serve themselves. This way, the platters don't pile up on the table, and nobody is disrupting the flow by passing bowls and plates back and forth.

Hosting a dinner party in the kitchen is a great way to bring everyone together, but it's not the only way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. There are plenty of other things you can do to make your guests feel at home. One great way to accomplish this is by inviting your guests to participate in the cooking or serving process.

When speaking with Bon Appétit, Garten said that if someone asks if they can bring a dish or drink, "I like to say yes because then my guests feel like they're valued and a part of the process." Letting guests participate without making them feel obligated creates a sense of a shared experience that is sure to make the evening feel all the more special.

Garten says another way to elevate your dinner party is to build a menu that has plenty of options for everyone. This can mean avoiding specific ingredients or dishes that might single anyone out or simply including a variety of different options that can accommodate different dietary restrictions and preferences.

Garten's final, ultimate tip for a warm, cozy dinner party? Relax and enjoy yourself, she says. "Your friends will have more fun if you're happy and having a good time with them."