Tips For A Rooftop Dinner Party

The second best tip is keeping the menu simple.

Rooftop is the best place for a dinner party. The scenery changes from sunset to starry night, and the lighting goes from sunshine to moonlight. If you have a view of the city skyline, the skyline also changes as your wine bottles empty out one by one.

I am lucky to have a rooftop that has a view of the Colorado mountain range to the West, and the Denver skyline to the East. And no tall building around me.

#1 Some funny friends, some new friends.

My guests were half close friends, and half new friends. I especially like to invite several good conversationalist with good sense of humor as they help you to elevate the occasion.

#2 Simple menu.

Dinner party is all about conversation and the ambiance. Make something simple that may require a lot of upfront work but not much attention on the day-of. I made a Malaysian-style chicken and marinated vegetables that I grilled that day. I could have made the menu even easier by simplifying the vegetable options.

#3 Candles

As the night progress, sunshine will be replaced by moonlight or, just darkness. Putting some candles on (in transparent plastic cups) make the ambiance 2x better.

#4 A lot of wines.

I asked some guests to bring some wines. And we had close to 10 bottles for 15 people, and it was still not enough. Wines really help keeping conversation going.

#5 Use as many disposable as possible.

Except wine glasses, serving plates, and silverware. I personally find these three items differentiate a classy dinner from a non-classy dinner. Just me. You do not want to have a bunch of dishes to take care of after the dinner party either. In this particular party, I barely filled three quarter of my dishwasher.

#6 Designate a photographer

If possible, invite a good friend with a passion in photography. You want to have someone to capture the good time of the dinner and share them with your guests after. All photo credits here go to Brad N.

#7 Designate a cause.

It may be for Mother's Day, National Taco Day, or whatever. Putting a small meaning behind it makes a difference. I made this particular dinner for MaxFund, a no-kill animal shelter that I volunteer at, and we raised $100 for it!

These are all I have so far. Remember, a rooftop dinner party is as good of a location as it can get, and you want to keep it simple and easy for you so that you can have a good time with your guests!