Hosting a Plant-Based Dinner Party?

Wow your guests with incredible flavours, make prep stress-free, and enjoy the occasion with my top tips and recipes.

I love hosting dinner parties, whether it’s an intimate gathering of close friends or a lively feast with dishes flowing into the late hours.

You could say I have a habit of making sure everyone’s well-fed!

A great way to serve a crowd is by creating a table full of smaller dishes, all centred around a show-stopping main. This lets guests mix and match flavours, helping themselves to what they love while enjoying a colourful, abundant spread. I often make a large tart or stuffed squash as the centrepiece, paired with three or four sides to bring variety. It encourages guests to try new things and creates a warm, communal atmosphere.

The trickiest part? Getting the portions just right! I tend to go overboard, but that just means plenty of leftovers—perfect for turning into curries, dips, or stews the next day. Plus, there’s always warm toasted bread to mop up every last bit!

To avoid overcooking, plan ahead and measure everything carefully. Taking a little extra time at the start means less waste at the end.

Timing is Everything

Prepping ahead makes all the difference. Create a simple timeline and do a trial run of your dishes so you know exactly how long each one takes to cook and serve. That way, nothing sits out getting cold, and your guests aren’t left hungry.

While recipe timings are helpful, they’re just a guide—ovens and hobs vary, and everyone preps at a different pace. I always plan my cooking order, chopping similar ingredients together to save time. Veggies can be time-consuming, so streamline where you can, and try to clean up as you go. Keeping a sink of hot, soapy water ready helps cut down on the post-dinner chaos!

Prep in Advance

Many plant-based dishes can be made ahead of time. My Cherry Chocolate Espresso Pots, for example, can be prepared days in advance—just pop them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving. Sauces also develop deeper flavours when made ahead, so cook them a day or two early and reheat before serving.

It’s also important to check for dietary requirements beforehand. A quick chat with guests a few weeks in advance ensures everyone has something they can enjoy, and where possible, I try to create dishes that suit all diets to avoid making multiple versions.

Extra Tips for a Stress-Free Feast

• Go seasonal – Fresh, in-season ingredients naturally boost the flavours of your dishes with minimal effort.
• Plan your shopping – Order ingredients two days before the event so you have time to prep sauces and desserts the day before.
• Choose a theme – This gives you a clear direction and makes dish selection easier.
• One-pot wonders – Tarts, tray bakes, roasted veggies, curries, and stews are fantastic for feeding a crowd with less fuss.

Good luck with your plant-based dinner party! I’d love to hear how it goes.