It’s time to set the table. You’ve washed the dishes and polished the silverware, and now it’s time to decorate that beautiful dinner table for your guests. Here are some tricks to make sure you have a party they will never forget!
Take Out Your Best Table Cloths
There are many options out there for napkins and tablecloths, and it is important to choose ones that complement your guests, the food, and the theme. Napkins with a logo would be perfect for napkin rings or napkin holders that you can put on each seat.
Table cloths should be thin enough not to stand out and heavy enough so they don’t slide around on the table easily. It’s also important to consider napkins versus napkins dispensers because they make for an easy, quick getaway when you are ready to leave.
Choose a Theme
If you have a specific type of cuisine in mind, going with a themed dinner is great for not only the food but also the decor. Why not serve Italian?
You can add all sorts of red and green elements with basil sprigs and tomato slices with mozzarella balls that are sure to be a hit when you serve it. Or something like a 1950s diner theme can give you an excuse to use all things pink and red with polka dots and neon shades.
Choose Your Accessories Wisely
There are so many options for silverware, plates, glasses, tablecloths, napkins, etc. that one must consider what type of dinner they are creating before purchasing everything.
If you have an idea in mind for the color scheme on your table, choose items that complement the colors you wish to showcase. Starting with accessories first makes setting up much easier, as these pieces often come in packs, allowing you to create a uniform look throughout the space.
Decorate Around Food
It may seem obvious, but think about where you will place your food before you start decorating. You don’t want to overcrowd the space where people will be eating by adding unnecessary items.
Lighting is key when it comes to food; if you’re serving something that you need to keep cool, don’t create a fire hazard by putting up lightbulbs too close or flammable decorations like paper lanterns that might catch fire.
Suppose you will serve food buffet-style; place candles in the middle of the table for a beautiful centerpiece. Then, set out water goblets on each guest’s plate so they may better serve themselves.
Choose a Centerpiece
When picking an arrangement for the table, go with something that has meaning to you or is inspired by what you wish to serve.
An array of pumpkins will convey autumn; delicate white flowers in mini vases can show offspring. Also, pine cones and red berries may connote winter, while tomatoes, melons, and other summer fruits like marigolds can pull together a rustic feel.
Just make sure it’s not so heavy that people won’t be able to eat around it; in some cases, an interesting vase filled with fresh fruit in the season might work even better.
Don’t Forget the Dining Room Chair Pads
Most people don’t give a second thought to these but invest in a few cushion pads for their chairs if you want your guests to sit comfortably at the table. Make sure they coordinate with either your dinnerware or theme, though!
For example, if you’re going with pink polka dots, don’t use earth-tone seat cushions; stick with white and add just a touch of pizzazz to the mix by inserting some small heart-shaped cushions into each seat. The more comfortable your guests are at the table, the longer they’ll stay, and that’s what hosting is all about!
Don’t Overcrowd the Table
The biggest rule of thumb when putting together a dinner party is to keep the table looking open and airy. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, but it does mean you don’t want to put too many elements around your food so guests can comfortably dine without feeling cramped.
It should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, not one where people are afraid to eat or bump elbows with each other because there isn’t enough space on their plate!
Conclusion
Setting a beautiful dinner table can be an art form; it requires careful consideration and planning. One must consider the space available and what type of theme they want to create. Keep in mind that your table should reflect who you are and what type of mood you wish to convey to those who attend.