meet your host
I’m Jess, the creator of The Dinner Party Guide, and a long-time lover of gathering people around the table. For years I shared my dinner parties online, and the most common reply I’d get was: “I could never do that!”
That little spark became The Dinner Party Guide: step-by-step menus, recipes, and prep plans designed to make hosting easy, joyful, and actually fun. Because everyone should feel proud (not panicked) when they open their door to guests.
Get to know jess
Why I Do This
For me, there’s nothing more soul-nourishing than friends and family gathered around a table, sharing good food and belly laughs. I want everyone to feel that joy - without the stress. Helping someone go from overwhelmed and frazzled to calm and glowing with pride? That’s what lights me up.
my hosting philosophy
More is more. A little mess is okay (the conversation is always worth it). Cheese belongs on every table. And measuring with your heart is always encouraged - especially when it comes to parmesan. Every guide is built with real life in mind: ingredients you’ll actually find at your supermarket, prep steps that slot into your schedule, and dishes designed to wow without the meltdown.
my love of cooking
Growing up in a rural area with a large family, I learned the importance of good food and the joy it brings to those around you. I believe that food is meant to be shared and enjoyed together, which is why I always serve my meals family-style. I hope that my recipes and food knowledge, inspire you to create your own delicious meals and share them with the people you love.
frequently asked questions
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A Dinner Party Guide is your all-in-one hosting plan. Each one includes a curated menu, fully tested recipes, a consolidated shopping list, and a suggested flow to help you prep ahead. Think of it as your personal party planner in PDF form. There’s also a printable menu for the table and lots of reference photos so you can get inspired!
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Each guide is $27.50 (AUD).
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Each guide is designed for groups of 6–12 people. You’ll find the suggested group size listed in each description, but the menus are flexible and can be scaled up or down.
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There’s a guide for every occasion - whether you’re hosting a cozy winter dinner, a summer seafood spread, or a festive Christmas lunch. There’s vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan-friendly options too.
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Not at all! Each recipe is written to be approachable, with clear instructions and make-ahead tips. The guides are designed so you can enjoy the cooking as much as the hosting.
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You’ll receive a digital PDF instantly, ready to download and use. Print it out for the kitchen, or keep it on your phone/tablet for easy reference.
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Absolutely. Many hosts come back to their favourites again and again - the guides are yours to keep forever. The individual recipes for dishes are included too, so you can have a favourite dish mid week, again and again.
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Each one is thoughtfully designed not just with food and their pairings in the menu, but with flow and hosting in mind. From what can be made ahead to how dishes look together on the table, the guides take out the guesswork and let you focus on the fun.
Ready to Host with Ease?
It’s time to say goodbye to frazzled hosting and hello to joyful gatherings. Browse the guides, pick your menu, and get ready to feel cool, calm, and proud at your own table.