Dinner parties are the perfect way to break up the monotony of our daily routines. They give us something fun & exciting to look forward to, and they inspire a sense of community. There’s just something so magical about bringing people together and sharing delicious food.
Fir wood basket $29.99 | Stoneware flower bowls $9.99 & $12.99 | Black glass decanter $59.99 | 12" wood pedestal $79.99
There are many elements that can go into creating a successful soiree. The ambiance of your dinner party sets the tone for the entire evening, so party styling and mood planning are not something to overlook.
Everything from the lighting, the décor, and the music plays an important role. One of the key elements of ambiance is theme. Choosing the perfect theme for your dinner party has the power to instantly transport your guests to a different time or place. Whether it’s a rustic farmhouse, whimsical garden, an elegant black-tie affair, or a nautical beach party, the theme sets the stage for the entire event.
When selecting the theme, consider your personal style, the occasion, and the food preferences of your guests of course. Are you looking for something fancy, or do you want a fun and relaxed vibe? Whether sitting down for a formal dinner at the table, or eating about while socializing, there should be some form of table-scape which serves as the heart of the dinner party. Because we all know that this is where the guests will congregate.
Hemp fiber & cotton runner $79.99 | Wooden tray $59.99 | Tapered candle holder $19.99 & $29.99 | 72" eucalyptus garland $99.99
When selecting the theme, consider your personal style, the occasion, and the food preferences of your guests of course. Are you looking for something fancy, or do you want a fun and relaxed vibe? Whether sitting down for a formal dinner at the table, or eating about while socializing, there should be some form of table-scape which serves as the heart of the dinner party. Because we all know that this is where the guests will congregate.
Hemp fiber & cotton runner $79.99 | Wooden tray $59.99 | Tapered candle holder $19.99 & $29.99 | 72" eucalyptus garland $99.99
It’s also important to choose an appropriate playlist. Music is a huge factor in adding to the vibe of the night. Good tunes help liven up the house for the first guests who attend and can also be a great conversation starter as so many memories are triggered by song. Luckily, creating a soundtrack for the night has never been easier thanks to apps like Youtube Music and Spotify. A playlist can be curated for you by simply typing in the genre, or theme.
I’ve put together some different pieces from Anna’s to inspire some different themes. There are so many gorgeous dining textiles...I couldn’t resist showcasing them! Here are a few ideas that I came up with:
GARDEN WHIMSEY
The botanists garden runner $69.99 | Glass vases - $5.99 - $24.99 | Resin and moss gnome $29.99 | Resin & moss mushrooms $24.99
Leaf shape placemat $24.99 | Leaf shaped plates $9.99 & $14.99 | The botanists garden runner $69.99 | Iron ants $4.99 - $12.99
With spring florals freshly blooming, gathering cut flowers to showcase in mini vases brings so much joy to this setting. A garden gnome, and some little ants clustered atop the bright textiles adds a fun and whimsical touch. I love all the colour in this tablescape! What a great way to welcome the season! I would include a vibrant salad on the menu and maybe something from the grill and I would serve it alongside a crisp white wine! I would keep the music light and poppy!
COUNTRY FARMHOUSE
COUNTRY FARMHOUSE
Wooden tray $59.99 | Tapered candle holder $19.99 & $29.99 | Stoneware pleated bowl $12.99 | Stoneware strainer spoon $7.99 | Hemp fiber & cotton runner $79.99
How cute are these cast iron mice? They are a perfect accent for a farmhouse place setting! For a farmhouse theme, I like to include lots of textures and wood. More traditional style pieces are suiting to this theme. For the menu, I might choose some classic comfort food like a roast dinner and pair with a nice red wine. And of course a classic country playlist!
NAUTICAL BEACH
Oval stoneware w blue fish $29.99 | Aveiro fish placemat $12.99 | 70" Driftwood garland $39.99 | 72" eucalyptus garland $99.99 | Block print indigo dye tablecloth $69.99
Ok, has there ever been a more appropriate setting for a fish n' chips dinner?! Imagine, having friends over for freshly caught pickerel and sitting down to this table with a cool crisp beer? Sounds like perfection. I would probably have some east coast music on the playlist, I'm thinking along the lines of Great Big Sea or Ashley MacIsaac.
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
Fir wood basket $29.99 | 9" stoneware bowl/planter $49.99 | 30" olive spray $12.99 | Black glass decanter $59.99 | 12" wood pedestal $79.99
Stoneware flower bowls $9.99 & $12.99 | 26" Artificial olive tree $49.99 | Maja maize placemat $14.99
Is there anything better than a classic Italian feast? This is a meal that is loved by the masses. For decor I added a vase of beautiful artificial olive branches and a potted basil plant, and I used rustic looking stoneware pieces to showcase the food. I put this together quickly for the photoshoot, but if I were hosting a party I would also include an antipasto platter and lots of red wine. I would choose a European playlist for sure. And if you don't have Nonna's tomato sauce recipe, you can keep it simple and totally cheat using Mezzetta's new line of sauces that we just got in. It doesn't have any added sugar or preservatives. It's the real deal and I can vouch, it tastes fantastic!
There’s nothing quite like a good dinner party. I’ve been to many over the years, and the celebrations that stick in my mind the most are the ones that were elevated beyond good food and company. When the hosts orchestrate an evening that lends to all the senses, bringing together tastes, sounds, sights, and smells – this is when the magic happens.
And let me just say, that by no means do you need to have a ‘picture perfect’ home to proudly host a fun and charming dinner party. Last year we moved from a newly built modern gorgeous home to an older ‘fixer upper’ of sorts. I have, sadly let this notion of waiting to have the ideal space get in the way of entertaining for too long. I am just coming to realize that friends don’t care about how old your cupboards are, or the cracks in the drywall. That is a standard we put on ourselves from all the comparisons we see online. My intention with this blog is not to add to the comparisons. Rather to bring to light the snippets that bring us joy. To embrace what we have, what we can achieve, and what makes our hearts smile. Looking around at all that needs to be done can be overwhelming – and it can interrupt the joy of simply living. Zooming in to the moments is where we find our peace.
And let me just say, that by no means do you need to have a ‘picture perfect’ home to proudly host a fun and charming dinner party. Last year we moved from a newly built modern gorgeous home to an older ‘fixer upper’ of sorts. I have, sadly let this notion of waiting to have the ideal space get in the way of entertaining for too long. I am just coming to realize that friends don’t care about how old your cupboards are, or the cracks in the drywall. That is a standard we put on ourselves from all the comparisons we see online. My intention with this blog is not to add to the comparisons. Rather to bring to light the snippets that bring us joy. To embrace what we have, what we can achieve, and what makes our hearts smile. Looking around at all that needs to be done can be overwhelming – and it can interrupt the joy of simply living. Zooming in to the moments is where we find our peace.
Comments
Beautifully done! Great ideas! Yes, the importance is gathering together but a little decor splash doesn’t hurt. Well written!
I love that you included a playlist to this post. What a great idea and it’s one I’ll definitely check out. Thanks!! Of course the flowers, decor and settings are all beautiful.