If the thought of hosting a dinner party has you paralyzed or worried it will swallow up your much needed weekend, our no-stress guide to throwing a dinner party is here. It's 2023 after all, and the rules of entertaining have changed. A successful evening isn't rooted in perfection, and our guidelines are designed to take the pressure out of planning, so that you can focus on catching up with your favourite people. It's also an excuse to open that bottle of Tignanello you've been holding onto.

When it comes to having people over, perfection is the enemy of the good. As an antidote to our fast-paced lives, entertaining today is a lot more casual, but it can still be considered. Simply take the fussy out, and substitute in an easy yet sophisticated vibe.

• Instead of ordering a flower arrangement, grab the last of the hydrangeas from your backyard, or assemble a few branches in your favourite vase

• Mix up a signature drink, such as a French 75, in a pitcher or cocktail jug, bring out your flutes or coupes, and you have an easy, festive start to the evening

• Say goodbye to fancy apps. Pick up a dozen samosas at your favourite Indian restaurant, or assemble your favourite board or platter with a mix of cheese, olives, veggies and charcuterie

• Serve your meal family style - it's a simpler, more connected and more social way of eating

• Some foods - stews, lasagnes, cakes - actually taste better a day or two after they're made, so take advantage of some pre-party prep without sacrificing any taste

If You Want, Phone It In

If you have the space, time or interest in making the meal, we have the perfect fall menu, courtesy of Emma's Eatery Catering. If not, there's no shame in ordering part or all of your dinner, such as Emma's drop off platters. Meal prep is the most time-intensive part of having people over, so we hereby give you permission to order any or all of the meal. You don't have to actually cook anything for it to be a party. It's about the company and, of course, a beautifully set table.

Emma's Fall Menu

• One Pot Chicken Thighs and Orzo

• Grilled Ceaser Salad

• Plum Ricotta Cake

We may be a tad biased, but this is our favourite part of dinner party prep, and if you're not cooking, it's also the most creative. Here are some modern table setting tips, HG-style:

• Use a tablecloth - it'll pull everything together and creates an inviting, intimate atmosphere

• Look for contrast, such as pairing vintage silver with modern dinnerware, sleek salad servers with a rustic bowl, and candlesticks of varying shapes, materials and heights

• Napkins can be placed anywhere - just make sure they're linen

• Whether you use tumblers or stemmed wine glasses, you only need one glass for all your wines, and one glass for water

• Don't forget trivets and bottle coasters, especially if you're serving family style

• If your table is large, you'll want to have two water carafes, salt and sauce dishes for each end of the table

A Tablecloth + Napkins

Think of your tablecloth as the canvas for your entire table, adding warmth and atmosphere. You can iron them if you wan't, but you really don't have to.