Setting the Table: the Season of the Dinner Party
As the weather starts to warm up and the days get lighter, this is the season when I start feeling motivated and social. It’s like coming out of hibernation. One of the first things I always want to do with this burst of energy is to host a dinner party. After the snow and cold, it is always refreshing to gather people together and share a meal.
The most important part of any party is the people, but one of our favorite ways to show those people how much we care for them is to create an environment that shows they are worth effort and intention. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or serving your guests a coursed meal with drink pairings, the simple act of setting the table can completely set the mood. The details make all the difference - not to mention, creating the perfect tablescape can be a whole lot of fun.
This month, I asked our planning team to imagine some dinner parties they might want to host and gave them free reign to create tablescapes accordingly. There are truly endless ways to style a table, but these are just a few ideas to start with when planning your own dinner.
Janey’s NYE Double Date In
The vibes are: Rich, intimate, and moody.
Menu suggestion: Go simple on the main course with a classic red sauce pasta. Plate it with medium-sized portions and a garnish so your guests don’t get too full for a decadent dessert. We recommend something cherry or chocolate, but either way, the sweet course is the star.
Rental items in this table: linen, runner, bud vases, taper candle holders, disco balls, coupes, chargers
Tess’s Peachy Summer Soiree
The vibes are: Bright, warm, and classy.
Menu suggestion: Keep it light with roasted chicken, fresh green beans, and a parmesan couscous or rice pilaf. These colors immediately bring lemonade to mind, so lean into that flavor with a lemon-based cocktail, mocktail, or lemonade all by itself.
The vibes are: Fresh, sophisticated, earthy.
Menu suggestion: We used silk florals in all our designs, but this is a perfect design to use with cut flowers from your garden. If you have a kitchen garden, you can carry the theme through. Make a salad using vegetables you’ve grown and garnish your drinks and dishes with fresh herbs.
The vibes are: Energetic, layered, and punchy.
Menu suggestion: If you’re using a design inspired by a place, follow it through in your menu. Caprese salad and a build-your-own-pita bar would match this table perfectly.
xoxo, Rebecca
