Create Dinner Party Invitation

Start with what is on the evening's menu

You do not need to print every course. A line such as "A long table, seasonal food and our favourite people" gives guests the feeling of the night. If the dinner marks a special occasion, name it briefly. The citrus artwork and quieter typography suit both a carefully planned supper and a relaxed gathering at home.

Give the evening a feeling before giving it a menu

The invitation does not have to list every dish to make dinner sound inviting. A few concrete words about the atmosphere can do more: a long table, seasonal food, a favourite bottle or a chance to catch up. Decide whether you are inviting guests for drinks first or directly to the meal, and make the time reflect that plan. If everyone is bringing a course, arrange contributions directly rather than leaving a vague request that produces six desserts. For a seated dinner, a clear reply deadline helps you prepare place settings and food. The card can remain relaxed even when the host has a careful plan behind it.

Give the host the information they need

Include a firm arrival time for a seated meal and an RSVP deadline that leaves time to shop. When guests reply, ask about dietary requirements. If you would like them to bring a drink or a dish, make the request specific enough to be helpful rather than leaving everyone to guess.

A few ways to gather around the table

Use these ideas for your card or the message you send with it. Adapt longer examples into a short phrase for the form's limited text fields.

Seasonal supper

A long table, something seasonal and our favourite people. Please join us for an unhurried dinner and an evening of good conversation.

Informal dinner at home

Come hungry and make yourself comfortable. We are cooking dinner and would love to have you at our table.

A celebration meal

An occasion worth sharing and a meal made for company. Join us for dinner, a toast and a lovely evening together.

From invitation to place setting

Choose a palette that works with your table linen or flowers. Check the address and entry instructions if you are hosting at home. For the table itself, explore the site's place cards after you have confirmed your guest list. Keep the invitation wording concise so the names and meal details retain the calm, spacious feel of the design.

The host's practical invitation list

• Give an arrival time that matches when you plan to serve.
• Include the full home or restaurant address.
• Ask about dietary requirements when collecting replies.
• Make any contribution request specific and manageable.
• Check that your RSVP deadline leaves time to prepare.

Carry the citrus detail onto a simple table

The original citrus illustration and small place setting work best with concise wording and a calm information area. Choose a palette that complements your table without trying to match every plate or flower. If you are printing invitations at home, test one on the stock you have and check the thin details as well as the address. The two-up formats preserve the 5 by 7-inch card size on landscape A4 or Letter sheets. Print at actual size and trim with the corner guides. Once your numbers are confirmed, the site's table place cards can help you carry the care through to each seat.

Questions from one dinner host to another

Can I include the menu on the invitation?
A short description of the meal can fit in the note. A full menu is usually clearer in an accompanying message or separate card, leaving the invitation's location and reply details readable.

Where should dietary requests go?
Use the reply line to ask guests to contact the host about dietary needs, or include the request in your message. The PDF displays your contact details; it does not collect or store guests' responses.

Explore the Invitations & Announcements collection for related designs and the full PDF printing guide.