A lot of preparation goes into throwing a dinner party. The food selection is probably the most important thing on your mind, but we can't forget about the decorations. Tabletop accessories and other decor items can help set the mood of the party and create a beautiful ambiance. Even if the food is delicious, guests want to know this is a nice get-together and not just taco Tuesday served on paper plates. Every party needs decorating.
If this is a more formal dinner party, then it's time to bring out the special occasion china. Set the table right with dinner plates, salad plates, chargers, soup bowls, and every other piece you own in the collection. This is also the perfect time to utilize all that extra silverware. Set the flatware in the order of use with the salad fork on the outside and the dessert fork on the inside. Bring out the beautiful serving platters and use drink dispensers. If you're serving wine, use a wine carafe instead of pouring straight from the bottle. A few flower petals sprinkled over the table can give your table a little extra flair.
PARTY DECORATIONS
When it comes to further accessorizing, think about the mood you want to set. Are you celebrating something specific like a holiday? What type of food are you serving? If you're serving Mexican food, then the decor should fit in with the meal. Going for Asian cuisine? Then paper lanterns will make a perfect edition. Just going for simplicity and elegance? Then stay with candles and flowers. Always create a centerpiece for the table. This can be as minimalist as a bouquet of flowers or you can unleash your inner Martha Stewart and create one from a glass cake stand. Use items you already own like drink dispensers and serving bowls to make something elegant.
Candles are always great for every occasion. If you don't want flowers, use candles instead for centerpieces. Fill a serving bowl with water and add floating candles and presto! Use platters with some stones and flower petals to create something beautiful. But don't focus all the candles on just the dining table. Place hurricanes on buffet tables and in the living room if you'll be spending time in there before dinner is served. If you don't own unscented candles, use mild scents. You don't want to give anyone a headache, plus candle scents can interfere with the smell of the food. Candles can provide some delicate lighting, but you can add some fun with hanging lanterns or tiki torches for outdoor summer parties.
Tabletop accessories are key to any dinner party. No one wants to eat on paper plates. But don't forget place cards, centerpieces, and other decor items to take your party to the next level of formal entertaining.
Tabletop Accessories and Other Decorations for a Dinner Party PARTY DECORATIONS