We’re in the middle of winter and still navigating life during a pandemic, and many of us are craving social connection. While gathering in person for a dinner isn’t always possible, a virtual dinner party is a wonderful way to share a meal and conversation with friends and family from afar.
I hosted a virtual dinner party around Christmas for twelve friends and want to share how I planned and “hosted” the evening so you can recreate the experience with your own group.
What is a Virtual Dinner Party?
A virtual dinner party is simply sharing a meal while connected over a video call such as Zoom or FaceTime. There are many formats: everyone can cook their own meal and join the call, or you can coordinate a shared menu so it feels like you’re all eating the same thing. For our Christmas gathering, I sent a menu and recipes ahead of time so everyone cooked the same dishes. That made the night feel more intentional and unified, even though we were in different homes.
Because I like baking for others, I also made dessert and prepared a simple cocktail syrup for a few local friends who were able to pick them up. That extra touch was optional but made the evening feel special and gave us a brief, safe chance to catch up in person when handing items off outdoors.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Dinner Party
Start by choosing your guest list. It can be a small group of close friends, family you haven’t seen in months, or a themed gathering like a girls’ night. Groups of 4–6 are easy to manage, but larger groups can work too.
Before sending a formal invite, I texted the group to confirm interest and to find a date everyone could attend. With many calendars more open these days, scheduling was straightforward.
Next, plan the menu. I picked a Bolognese sauce that simmers for hours, which let most of the work happen earlier in the day so people could relax when dinner time came. Choose a main and one or two simple sides or salads, and let guests bring bread or other accompaniments if they like. If you’re able, consider preparing small desserts or cocktail kits for local guests to pick up — it adds a thoughtful touch and a chance for a quick, safe hello in person.
Virtual Dinner Party Recipe Ideas:
Lobster Macaroni and Cheese
One Pan Rosemary Chicken and Vegetables
Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Garlic and Herb Chicken Stuffed Shells
Easy Chicken Marsala
Braised Pork Ragu
Bacon Cheddar Apple Chicken Skillet
Once the menu is set, create invitations that include the time, recipe links, and the video call link. I used a free online invitation tool to collect RSVPs and include recipes, then texted the Zoom link the day of the party. Below are the key details I included in our invite: date, start time, menu and recipes, video link, and a note about dessert or cocktail kits for pickup if offered.
How to Plan a Virtual Dinner Party With Kids
Decide whether to include children. Many couples in our group have young kids, so we scheduled the party after bedtime and ate later than usual. That worked well for an adult-focused evening. If you want kids to join, consider a virtual brunch or lunchtime gathering where children can participate while they’re engaged, then step away when they’re ready to play.
How to Run the Virtual Dinner Party
Choose your platform: Zoom and FaceTime are common choices. FaceTime requires Apple devices for all participants. Zoom allows more platform flexibility but requires a paid account for calls longer than 40 minutes with more than three participants. Other apps work as well; choose whatever is most comfortable for your group.
On the day, focus on your meal and share photos while cooking to build excitement. We exchanged images of our Bolognese and cocktails — I provided a spiced cranberry simple syrup that worked in an Old Fashioned, with champagne, or in a martini — and those photos helped create momentum and connection before the call began.
I was nervous the virtual format might feel awkward at first, but it flowed naturally. We opened with a familiar prayer our group often shares, then moved into conversation. We stayed “together” at our tables for about three hours, laughing, sharing stories, and catching up.
Tips for Conversation
Prepare a conversation starter. One friend asked everyone to share one positive and one disappointing thing about Christmas that year — it sparked meaningful and emotional conversation.
Talk about the food. Ask how recipes turned out and what people liked or changed.
Keep it light and have fun. When your group already connects well in person, the conversation will usually translate to a virtual setting.
That’s all it takes to host a successful virtual dinner party. With a little planning and a shared menu or theme, you can create a warm, memorable evening that brings friends and family together—no matter the distance.