
Traditionally, this is the time of year where we put our best foot, and intentions, forward. We look ahead to a fresh slate of days where anything is possible if we make the effort, and we usually aspire to do something new or better in the New Year.
So, with that intention in mind, we thought 2025 sounded like a great year to re-establish a longstanding, host-driven and home-based tradition…the dinner party.
While you, no doubt, have had various iterations of this gathering event out back around the grill, or inside with potluck themes, it is has probably been a while since you have gotten your genuine Martha Stewart on and created a real menu, sent proper invitations, and set an impeccable table—schedules and family life being what it is.
However, should you be up to challenge this year, we are here to help with a dash of inspiration and a sprinkling of ideas that we will edit for you throughout the year, starting with this one, the Sit-Down Dinner for Six.
Start Simple
Six is a great number to start with; it’s not overly ambitious and won’t have you breaking the bank at the price club. This number, which includes the host(s), provides enough variety among guests for lively conversation, and allows for an embellished level of curation on the part of the host. It’s also a great number, because in most cases, you will already have a table large enough for all to sit and enjoy the meal together as a shared experience.
Layer in Substance Slowly
Start with your menu. This will help set the tone and tenor for your evening. And don’t get flustered thinking you need to be Julia Child to pull this off. Many of the best meals are not complex ones; they’re the ones that offer flavors that evoke nostalgia and comfort. We suggest the following dushes as a well-rounded example that you can easily find recipes for online. (If you’re still intimidated, keep in mind that our grandmothers had no such resource.)
The Menu
Appetizer: Butternut Squash & Sage Soup
Main Course: Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce, Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Root Vegetables, Wild Mushroom Risotto
Dessert: Dark Chocolate Tart with Sea Salt

Start with a cozy, seasonal appetizer such as Butternut Squash & Sage Soup. Serve this savory soup in small bowls with a drizzle of crème fraiche, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can also garnish with crispy sage leaves and a dash of nutmeg for added warmth and depth of flavor.
Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce is always a crowd pleaser. This slow-cooked and richly flavored dish is ideal for a winter evening and can easily be served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for a comforting, yet elegant meal.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, add a side of Wild Mushroom Risotto. This earthy, creamy risotto pairs wonderfully with the short ribs, but can also serve as a main dish should you have a guest who doesn’t partake in red meat.
Few guests will be able to resist a Dark Chocolate Tart with Sea Salt for dessert, and this rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the winter theme. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. You could also add a dusting of cocoa powder or even edible gold dust to enhance the presentation.
Signature Cocktail
Thank goodness for Uber! If the dinner party can make a comeback, so can the nightcap. This time of year, we’re thinking the Hot Toddy is a thoughtful option for guests soon to depart on a winter’s night in January, and it is well-paired with our menu. Cheers! And here’s to a successful dinner party!

Spiced Bourbon Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 dashes of bitters
- 4 oz. hot water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Star anise and a lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
In a heat-proof glass or mug, combine the bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. Add hot water and stir to dissolve the honey. Drop in a cinnamon stick and add a couple of dashes of bitters. Garnish with a star anise and a lemon wheel on the rim for an inviting look.

Layer in Style Unapologetically
Taking the time to curate a memorable tabletop presentation should be half the fun of creating this shared evening. Think ahead and plan, accordingly, leaving yourself with ample time leading up to the night of dinner to execute the evening, even if you need to do it in stages so you are less stressed. (Nothing says you can’t have the table set earlier in the day or even the night before in most cases.)
Choose and theme a color palette that matches the mood of the season. Lean into deep, warm tones like rich forest green, moody charcoal, and soft ivory with accents of gold or brass. These colors will create a luxurious, inviting feel that’s perfect for January.
TREND ALERT: Bows in fashion and as a hair accessory are back and in a big way. If you’re just not digging it, try this iteration, at the dinner table.
Consider a charcoal or deep green tablecloth with ivory linen napkins. And you can add a dark table runner with a subtle winter motif or simple textured pattern for added sophistication. (Remember, the holidays are over, so the emphasis is on subtle.)
While long taper candles with holders are elegant, choose a simple centerpiece that does not obstruct the view of those you are dining with. Consider all low-profile blended groupings of classic ivory battery-powered pillar candles and add in some fresh greenery, such as eucalyptus, pine branches, and berries. A soft winter garland sprinkled with battery-powered fairy lights down the center of the table, is also a lovely option. This time of year, we love a table setting of rustic white or cream plates and silver or matte black flatware for a modern, contrasting look. Set each place with a linen napkin and tie it with a velvet ribbon in a deep color that complements the settings, and tuck in a small sprig of greenery.
Stemless glassware is still an elegant go-to and you can try some with a frosted touch and add in dark green or smoke-tinted water glasses for a chic, seasonal look.

Photo credits: Crystal Goblet courtesy of perigold.com. White stone dinner plate courtesy of crateandbarrel.com. Matte black flat ware courtesy of lenox.com. Stemless wine glass set courtesy of perigold.com. Velvet bow napkin ties courtesy of sb-designstudio.com. Handmade floral table runner courtesy of Perigold.com.