11 Tips for Creating the Perfect Dinner Party
Jackie Glass shares her tips for setting up a memorable dinner party.
- Choose a strong piece of artwork that you can use as inspiration for the rest of the room.
- Don’t worry about making it overly formal. A placemat is a perfectly acceptable substitute for a tablecloth.
- White dishes provide a great starting point that works with any color scheme you choose.
- Using cloth napkins and arranging them in a pretty pattern makes the table more interesting, even if it’s just a classic white napkin.
- Really pull out all the stops, even if it’s a small dinner party for four. Bring out your fine crystals and don’t be afraid to mix them up. Pair vintage wine glasses with more modern ones to add a nice eclectic touch.
- Visit a grocery or a florist to purchase a prearranged or custom made bouquet to match the artwork. These flowers will then become the centerpiece for your tabletop.
- Choose separate flowers based on the strongest color in the artwork; Place a single bloom in a small vase along with a matching place card at each table setting.
- Keep a bouquet of fake flowers on hand; Fake flowers are a good substitute for fresh ones when you don’t have time to shop.
- Put out some decorative tray tables, as they are perfect for setting down pre-dinner drinks.
- Use lighting, candles and music to set the mood for your dinner party.
- An island is the perfect place to set out all your drinks and snacks for guests to enjoy as they arrive.