How To Host a Raclette Dinner Party

I grew up skiing in France every year, which means I’m very familiar with French cuisine, including the wonderful Raclette! My parents absolutely loved hosting Raclette parties, and many of my fondest childhood memories include being sat around a table nibbling on potatoes, melted cheese, and a few grilled prawns – aka, all the good stuff!

In this blog, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to hosting a raclette dinner party on your own. From the decorations and choosing a grill, to your shopping list, tablescaping, and more, find everything you need right here.

 

What is a Raclette Party? 

First of all – it’s like the most fun ever! A raclette party is simply getting a good group of friends together to eat a traditional French raclette meal. If you haven’t heard of raclette before, it’s kind of two things. The first being a semi-hard cheese which originates from the French and Swiss Alps. 

Secondly, it is a dish featuring melted raclette cheese, served with boiled potatoes and an assortment of grilled meats. You can buy specialist raclette machines which feature a stone top for grilling, as well as pan slots underneath for melting the cheese. It’s a very social way of dining, and best enjoyed sitting around the table with a good group of friends.

Why I love it… if you’re new to the world of hosting (first of all, welcome!), a raclette dinner party is the perfect event to start with. It’s nothing fancy, it’s quite casual, and it basically includes setting your raclette grill up on the table (aka, plugging it in), and popping a few accompaniments in dishes – the hard work is up to your guests!

What Do You Need To Host a Raclette Party?

Aside from a raclette machine, you likely have all of the things you’ll need to host a raclette dinner party at home already. Here are some of the essentials:

• Plates & Cutlery: An obvious one, but provide plenty of plates (small side plates are recommended) and cutlery for your guests to use. Set these out before your guests arrive.
• Mini Wooden Spatulas: For scraping the melted cheese onto your plate – these usually come with the purchase of your raclette machine, but they are also relatively cheap to order online if not.
• Mini Bowls: Use a range of cute small bowls for all the accompaniments. If you don’t have any to hand, be sure to check out your local thrift store / charity shop for budget-friendly vintage ones.
• Serving Platters: Add that extra special touch by laying out all of your meat, fish, and chopped veggies for grilling on wooden or ceramic serving platters in the middle of your table.
• Table Space: Raclette machines can take up space, so ensure you have a wide enough dining table to accommodate food, drinks, and your guests!
• A Raclette Machine: Duh… learn more about buying the perfect raclette machine below.

Choosing a Raclette Machine

If you don’t have a raclette machine already, obviously, you will need to buy (or borrow) one before hosting a raclette dinner party! The price of a raclette machine varies, you can easily pay around £30 for a standard one from Amazon which will do the job just fine, or splash out on one with 10 pans and a fancy stone top – whatever fits your budget really. The key features you should consider are:

• At least one cheese-melting pan per person
• A non-stick plate or stone top for searing meats
• Electric (i.e. can be plugged into a mains – some smaller models are tealight powered, which takes forever to melt the cheese)

Your Raclette Party Shopping List

Planning a shopping list for your raclette party isn’t as straightforward as shopping for a 3-course dinner! With so many accompaniments and toppings, plus the need to calculate the right amount of cheese and meat per person, it can feel overwhelming. We’ve outlined everything you’ll need to buy ahead of your get-together, plus advice on quantities:

The Non-Negotiables

These are the absolute essentials for a traditional raclette meal – don’t skip them!

• Raclette Cheese: Plan for around 200-250g per person. If you can’t find raclette cheese, Gruyère or Fontina are excellent substitutes.
• Boiled New Potatoes: Serve warm, and leave the skins on for authenticity. Plan for 5-6 small potatoes per person.

Items To Grill

You can get super creative with your grilling options, but make sure to include these crowd-pleasers:

• Meats:
  • Thinly sliced steak (sirloin or ribeye work great)
  • Chicken breast or thighs (marinated or plain)
  • Pork medallions
• Seafood:
  • Prawns or shrimp
  • Scallops
  • Salmon chunks or fillets (cut into smaller portions)
• Veggies:
  • Mushrooms (leave whole if small, or slice the larger ones)
  • Peppers (all colours, cut into strips)
  • Tenderstem broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Red onion (cut into thin rings)
  • Cherry tomatoes (leave them whole)
  • Courgette (cut into thick rounds)

Accompaniments

Raclette is all about the picky bits – it’s the best part in my opinion! These accompaniments add tang and texture to your raclette meal: 

• Charcuterie – salami and prosciutto are firm favourites
• Cornichons / gherkins
• Pickled onions
• Green leafy salad with a light vinaigrette 
• Crusty baguette slices
• Salted butter

Condiments like wholegrain or French Dijon mustard, caramelised onion chutney and a chilli jam are also essential for dipping and spreading!

Top Tip: Always buy more than you think you’ll need… you’re likely to spend hours around the table with your guests, and this type of dining always encourages big appetites! Any leftovers can be cooked and frozen for another day, so nothing goes to waste.

What Drinks Go With Raclette?

What goes together, grows together! Raclette is a French-Swiss tradition, so naturally, wines from the region pair beautifully with this hearty, cheesy feast. I like to have a bottle of both red and white on the go for my guests, so a Riesling or Beaujolais is perfect. 

If you’re anything like my Dad, you might enjoy a post-dinner sipper of Chartreuse. This herbal French liqueur is not for the faint-hearted but can certainly be a fun, warming end to your dinner party.

There is an art to pairing cheese and wine together. If you’d like to learn more, as well as a few handy tips and tricks, check out this helpful guide – What is a Good Wine & Cheese Pairing? 

 

Setting the Scene for Your Raclette Party

Hosting a raclette dinner party isn’t just about the food (although, let’s be honest, melty cheese is the star of the show!). The right ambiance can transform a simple gathering into a cosy, memorable experience. Think rustic French countryside vibes – warm lighting, charming vintage decor, and a perfectly curated tablescape. Here’s how to create the ultimate setting for your raclette night…

Table Setup

Place the raclette machine in the very centre of the table so everyone has easy access. Since raclette is all about sharing and interaction, make sure your setup encourages a relaxed, communal feel. 

• Arrange your items for grilling and accompaniments in small vintage bowls or on rustic wooden platters so guests can easily reach and pass them around.
• If you’re offering a variety of meats, veggies, and sauces, consider small labels so guests can easily identify their options (this is especially handy for guests with dietary requirements).
• Set dedicated places for each guest with name tags, cutlery and linen napkins.

Decorations & Music

Now that your table is beautifully arranged, let’s make the atmosphere just as inviting. Raclette is meant to be a laid-back affair, so your decor should reflect that effortless, rustic charm. No need to go overboard – just a few thoughtful touches can set the perfect tone…

• Start with the table. A vintage-style, French-country-inspired tablecloth (if you have one) instantly elevates the setting. If not, a simple linen runner works beautifully.
• Lighting matters. I love to dot a few pillar candles or thin, taper candles down the centre of the table (make sure it doesn’t get in the way of the raclette machine!).
• Incorporate natural elements. A few small bud vases of wildflowers, fresh herbs, or even a few sprigs of eucalyptus can look gorgeous whilst remaining low effort.
• Personalised place settings. Handwritten name tags on small wooden or kraft paper cards add a thoughtful touch without being overly formal.
• Set the mood with a playlist of French café tunes or soft jazz. Keep the volume low so guests can enjoy conversations.

Hosting Guides From Savery Grazing

… and that’s it – our guide to hosting possibly the simplest dinner party ever! If you’re looking for more tips, tricks, and inspiration for your next gathering with friends, you’ll love the guides available on our website.

If you want to keep up to date with us, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. Looking for grazing platters for your next event? Get in touch with our team!

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