A dining room is one of the essential parts of a home. It’s a place where you could freely enjoy a home-cooked meal, and it’s a place where most people gather to talk about almost anything. It somehow brings families closer through sharing good foods and talking.
Additionally, the dining room is typically one of the fanciest parts of a home during events. One of the best ways of entertaining guests that come over to your home, especially during various celebrations, is to ensure that the eating place is also welcoming. For your guide, here are some easy ways to create your dining room more inviting for your guests.
Get the Proper Dining Table Shape
Dining tables are made of various shapes and sizes so that you could also have a lot of variations to choose from. You can incorporate your style by selecting the most suitable table size. With this, you have to identify and assess your dining space first before deciding on the proper table for you.
Always remember that it does not mean that if you could find a big table that could fit your room, it’s already the best one. You have to consider the shape and the area appropriately to ensure that your table does not overpower everything inside your dining area.
Dining tables are essential and should be chosen carefully. If you have a lot of guests coming over to share a meal with, you would need to have a table that could fit a lot of seats, and the shape of the dining table affects the capacity of seats there could be. Also, making sure that the table is made of durable materials could help guarantee you that you can use your table for the long term.
Install Proper Lighting
If you want guests to feel more welcomed in your dining area, make sure that they can properly see what you serve them. Serving great-tasting food is one of the best ways to welcome your guests, but if your guests cannot even see what’s presented for them on the table, they might not have a good time.
Proper lighting in an area where people usually eat is vital because it helps them see what they are eating and appreciate them better. Having a bright atmosphere in a dining room creates a feeling of liveliness and happiness among people. In any case, proper lighting is truly essential, especially in an area where people are gathered to dine and eat.
Choose the Right Curtains
If you have windows in your dining area, make sure you have suitable curtains to match your theme. A great curtain can accent your dining space, making your guests feel relaxed, cozier, and happier. If you have lighting set-ups that you want to control, curtains could help adjust your dining area’s ambiance with little effort.
Decide on the Color Combinations
If you need to match your dining area’s interior design with a specific celebration, you have to ensure that the color scheme you follow is consistent, appropriate, and welcoming. Keep in mind to prevent mixing warm and cool colors.
Instead, if you want your dining area to feel cooler, colors like grey, light blue, and white could help make your dining area look larger. But if you would like to incorporate more art as a decorative material, a neutral color scheme would be best for both your walls and flooring. On the contrary, colors on warmer tones are great if your area is large to make the spaces feel more intimate.
Incorporate Cozy Rugs
Rugs are incredible for bringing a warm feel to a dining room, and it adds a great texture too! Not to mention, if your flooring is made out of hardwood, cozy rugs could help in protecting it from scratches and other kinds of damages. Nowadays, there are a lot of modern, sleek, and stylish rugs you could choose from that could satisfy your needs, especially the non-slip ones that are great to be used even if there is a lot of traffic in your dining area.
Takeaway
Being creative in your dining area is a great way to unleash your personality and welcome people the best way that you can. So, do not be afraid to make changes in your dining room if you think it needs to be improved. Refer to the guide above if you want your guests to feel more welcomed in your dining room.
Dining tables are an essential piece of furniture at home. It’s a place to eat while talking to your loved ones while enjoying foods served in front of you. Also, if you’re eating at a dining table, there is a higher likelihood that you’d get to pay more attention to the food you’re eating and savor the flavors better!
Choosing the right dining table for your home is vital because of its benefits, and it enhances the appearance of your dining area. If you occasionally have guests over your home, having a dining table is a great way to make them feel welcomed and present food in a better way. But, what type of dining table would be perfect for various homes? If you’re curious to know about this, read down below.
Pedestal Table
Typically, a pedestal table consists of a broad top table standing on a solid single leg situated in the center of the table, and they provide a lot of perks! Some of these give an abundant surface space for eaters to move around and allow more room to squeeze in some more people in your table area.
Since no other legs are present on each corner of the table, like in rectangular-shaped ones, they are great for small dining spaces because it allows a person to get up and sit down again with better space and clearance. With this, pedestal tables are stylish, simple, and easy to design, making them easy to complement the design of your home.
Round Dining Table
If you think you don’t have much space in your dining area, consider getting a round-shaped one. Round-shaped dining tables allow people to have more space and walk around better to their designated seats. In this sense, you could say goodbye to bumping into one another or overcrowding when you’re heading to your seat.
If you have pets at home, consider getting a round table that comes in a pedestal base. The base is made out of metal to prevent your little fur ones from chewing or scratching on it. Consider training your pets to prevent them from doing that to your furniture.
Glass Table
One thing’s still sure; glass tables will never go out of style! Glass tables are famous for providing a sleek and elegant appearance in a room. It also allows a great distribution of light in your dining room to help brighten up your space.
Although it’s fragile, they still look best and are usually on a pedestal made out of various materials like marble, metal, and more, making them attractive to be an item of the house furniture. So, if you do not have an ample dining space and do not have great access to natural light, this table could enhance your dining area and make it look bigger.
Rectangular Table
For larger dining areas, it’s recommended to have a rectangular-shaped dining table to fill the void inside the room. Compared to other tables you may find in the market, this type helps bring out the homey feeling and provides ample space for more seats you could dine with.
Pedestal Drop Leaf Table
Pedestal drop leaf tables are best for people whose primary need in their table could help save space when the table is not being used. The tabletop of a drop-leaf table is typically round or oval-shaped and is mounted on a single pedestal, making them still look beautiful.
The dominating feature of this kind of table is their hinged leaves on either side. Owners could secure and put up the leaves when they needed a larger table and put them down if they wished to have a smaller version of the table or move them to the side of the room. It’s a great table that combines convenience and beauty.
Takeaway
No matter what reason you may have for intending to buy a dining table, always make sure that it would complement your home’s theme and will match your designated place. Dining tables are an excellent investment for food fanatics and chef wannabes there, so there’s no worry of getting your money wasted because good food needs some good table presentation!
Handstone tables top profiles and bases: With tables from Handstone you can mix a different top profile with different bases.
Anne Quinn is a premiere Handstone furniture dealer. Instead of carrying many different suppliers, we focus on just a few of the very best. Handstone being one of them.
Below are the more popular top profiles and bases and how they are unique.
Handstone dining tables Contempo: The Handstone Contempo (aka Union) is one our bestselling Handstone tables. The base is a modern and striking U shape base pattern. The top profile features clean geometric styling with crisp straight lines
Handstone Verona: The base features signature curves in an elegant V pattern making a bold statement. It’s a blend of modern design and the wonder and beauty of real wood. A visual work of art. The Verona collection from Handstone inspires a sense of excitement.
Handstone Phillipe: This pedestal table inspires with its French furniture design of the mid-1800s. The base not only looks good but is very functional as chair legs can easily straddle the base. The Phillipe top profile features a clean modern look with some elegant curves adding tradition and a touch of history to your space.
Handstone Rafters: The Rafter’s collection is more rustic. Rafters is inspired by old barn timbers and doors. The base is formed with a unique X pattern and a large bolt running down the middle. The top profile is clean with a distinct bolt in the corners. The Rafters is a unique blend of modern and retro.
Handstone Algoma: The angular design of the base makes it a visual work of art with a blend of wood and custom metal hardware. The top profile continues on that profile with its sloped elegant design and mixture of metal bolts and wood.
Handstone tables Cordova : The Cordova base with its crisp clean lines, combines simplicity with fine details making it a stand-out piece. It creatively blends straight lines with finer details the end result is simply stunning. The top profile mirrors the base with its straight lines and simple but modern look.
With the Handstone tables you and mix bases with top profiles. Combining them makes a unique piece designed just for you.
A dining table provides a suitable space to eat and enjoy your meals inside your dining room. Aside from that essential purpose, your dining table can often be seen as a centerpiece in your house. Many families even consider elegant dining tables as perfect heirlooms to pass down.
With that said, dining tables are usually made up of wood, metal, and stone. Some tables are also built using glass. Whatever material your dining table is made up of, it’s important that you keep it clean. Keeping your dining table clean makes it last longer. In this article, we’ll list down some tips on how to maintain your dining table.
Regular Cleaning
Good old-fashioned elbow grease, a bucket of warm water, a mild dish detergent, and a damp cloth is all you need to clean your dining table. Since the dining table is where you’ll eat your meals, it can get very dirty afterward. The dining room and kitchen are often one in some homes or places, which means food preparation is also done on the dining table.
If you don’t clean your dining table, liquid can seep in, especially on wooden tables. Even though wooden tables are treated to withstand a bit of water, the treatment doesn’t last forever. Sometimes, even the acidity and other chemicals from the food we eat can accelerate the degradation of your dining table. Just by wiping away liquid and grime on your table, you’re making it last longer.
Dusting
Aside from cleaning, dusting wooden dining tables is also a good way of maintaining them. On wooden surfaces, dust buildup can cause scratches, making glossy finishes on wooden tables look dull. Even if you don’t have a wooden table, it’s still best to wipe away the dust that gets on your table. No one would want to stay, let alone eat on a dirty surface.
Placemats and Coasters
If you think placemats and coasters are just for looking fancy, think again. These items help protect your table from heat, stains, and those annoying condensation marks or water stains.
Vinegar and Olive Oil
Speaking of water stains, a lot of us have been wondering how to remove them from our tables. Look no further as vinegar and oil can help you remove these stains. In a container, mix equal parts of vinegar and olive oil. Apply the mixture on a soft cloth and wipe it on the stain. After wiping away the stain, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe away any excess liquid on your table.
Applying Conditioners and Polish
There’s actually a good way to make your table look good. Try applying liquid beeswax to help seal the moisture inside the wood. Don’t worry about a bit of moisture from the beeswax. This moisture prevents the wood from drying up. It also makes the exterior of the table look shiny and glossy. Ideally, it’s best to use beeswax and other natural conditioners on your tables once a month.
Monitor Humidity
It’s best to keep the humidity inside your homes close to or anywhere between 40 to 45%. Low humidity levels can cause the wood to crack. A higher level, on the other hand, can cause swelling. Swelling is when certain parts of the wood or the paint on it bulges a bit.
You can prevent cracking or swelling in the winter by having a humidifier. In the summer, an air-conditioning unit or dehumidifier helps as well. Avoid placing a wooden dining table near a radiator. The constant heat from the radiator can also cause warping or splitting.
Takeaway
If taken care of, dining tables can become the perfect addition to your homes. A dining table that’s well maintained can stand the test of time. Designer tables can become great heirlooms to pass down to your family. The value on some of these tables can get higher as time passes by. With the tips mentioned above, you’re well on your way to making your dining table last longer.
Be it a high-class dinner or a themed birthday party; we are always down for some fun. While the menu and music are the textbook ways to impress your guest, there’s always that fraction drawn to the décor, and all the juicy creative details behind the party set up. Assuredly, one has to appreciate all the work and passion that goes into putting a party together because it’s a lot! Between the planning chaos, budgeting, and hunting down vendors for the party, the host’s plate is bound to stay full for a while. Since hiring an event planner to take on that extra load off your plate isn’t for everyone, we explore six sophisticated party ideas that you can easily pull off.
Pick a theme
The party theme is your framework, the ultimate motif coordinating your decor and menu into one consistent blend. Party themes are built on inspirations that resonate with the host and guests. Your party theme should speak volumes; it literally dictates the feel of the party. Think outside the box and weave your way through Coastal, Mexican or Bohemian themes- the list is endless!
Color palettes
Is it a summer or autumn party? Is it set indoors or outdoors? These are some of the thoughts that should catapult through your mind when staring at that color palette. If you’re not feeling bold, you can play it safe with neutral hues and colors. However, try out some pastels, greens, and fuchsia if you’re looking to live on the edge a little. Get the best of both worlds with cream dining table clothes with a rich green runner. Play around with colors and layer them for the perfect combo.
Mix n’ Match textures
Gold, wood, brass, acrylic, you name it- the décor world has unleashed a diverse range of textures for you to choose from. If you love a little bit of chaos, you’re in for a treat. Play around with textures, patterns and colors to get that seamless blend. Don’t limit yourself; go for that wild zebra print settee you’ve been eyeing and match it with yellow gold silk pillows for that wow factor.
Unique centerpieces
The centerpiece is a focal point of your table set up; these ornate items are an elegant way to balance out your dinner table. However, you don’t even have to fuss over the centerpiece- you could opt for something as simple as a vintage piece or a gorgeous sparkly candle holder, and either would still stand out. While there isn’t a specific recommended centerpiece, you can always gravitate back to the theme for inspiration.
Simple DIYs
Get your creative mojo on and save an extra buck with easy do-it-yourself projects. Attempt to print out place cards or customize your napkin rings. DIY pieces add a little pizzazz to your birthday party décor. For instance, you could hand paint some old glasses to create candle jars. Alternatively, give your guests souvenirs by carving out wooden name tags that they can later use as key holders.
Last word
One doesn’t necessarily have to splurge a chunk of money to create impressive party set-ups. So, maybe it’s time to give the cuisines a rest and step up your party hosting game with these easy décor tips. On a broader scope, party planning skills aren’t mastered overnight; it takes a lot of determination and discipline. A vision board might be the perfect start for you- get insightful cut-outs and start actualizing your dream party down to the very last details. Happy planning!
So, you’ve found the perfect table for your dining room, but it doesn’t come paired with chairs to match. Should you let up? Not quite yet! Going on the hunt for chairs sounds like a plan, or even better, let’s settle for a less obvious solution- a dining bench. Dining room setups are such a statement, especially if you’re trying to impress your guests. Because let’s be honest, who isn’t? And while diving right onto Pinterest for a browse sounds like an okay strategy, here’s something better- four recommendations for picking out the right dining seats for your table.
Style element
Personal taste and style take a front-row seat when it comes to choosing the right dining seats. You would want your chairs to effortlessly match your home’s theme and blend seamlessly with your décor. Whether you have the feels for a luxe coastal dining vibe or a French farmhouse set up, drawing inspiration from the rest of your home is a hack. Don’t think of your dining table seats as a separate element- add a little bit of your touch to your seats. Besides, incorporating your style into the checklist helps navigate your dining chairs choice by refining your search to a few suited models.
Measure up
Now that you have a visual sketch of the concepts you’re going for, it’s time to get down to the critical part- the measurements. Whether you choose to lean into the traditional dining chairs or opt for a more contemporary vibe like a bench, comfort should be a priority. You don’t want your guests hanging off the edge of the long seat or squeezing to fit into the legroom. For a two-seater bench, anything engaging from 42-52 inches is ideal. On the other hand, dining chairs do well, with an 8-14 inch difference from the seat to the tabletop. Remember, you always have the option to test out the seats at the store before buying them.
Sitting plan
What does a typical dinner look like with the family and guests? Factors like sitting capacity come into play when choosing seats for your dining table. If you host several dinner parties or have a lot of friends and family over, you’d want to get enough chairs to fit everyone. A long bench running down the length of your dining table would be the best fit for many guests; you might also want to consider investing in a bench with a back, so your guests don’t slouch throughout the meal. However, backless benches will work perfectly for a corner table. Alternatively, when getting chairs for your dining room, steering away from cushioned pieces with armrests will help you fit in more seats, whereas a smaller household would get a cozy, close-knit feel with plush chairs.
Materials
Decisions, decisions. Chairs are just chairs; why not just nip it in the bud and get anything, right? Wrong! The prime materials used to construct your dining chairs determine durability. Additionally, materials vary in functionality depending on your lifestyle demands. For instance, classic maple wood chairs wouldn’t be compatible if you want an industrial touch in your dining area. On that same note, if the end goal is to have a bench that serves you for years to come, then you might want to hold off on that rattan bench you love so much. While a velvet dining bench is a definite eye-catcher, it’s not worth cleaning toddler food spills every other day. Or worse, having your pet use it as a scratch pole. Conversely, polyester upholstered chairs and wooden benches have low maintenance demands.
Final Thoughts
Dining spaces are more than just a sophistication; they hold holiday memories, meals, and conversations shared with our loved ones. You don’t want to settle for just anything but what feels right, and while that’s a tough pick, it is so worth it. Striking a balance between your style expectations with your household needs is a great start. Keep your options open and shy away from experimenting- conformity is tasteless! Besides, it is your space, and it does not have to make sense to anyone else. Happy shopping!
The dining table is one of the biggest pieces of furniture you can ever own in your house, especially if you have a large family. But, if you’re going to get something that will occupy such a space, wouldn’t it be best to get the most out of it?
Well, if you’re looking for such a table for your home, your best choice is a pedestal dining table. But if you are having doubts, this article is here to tell you all about the advantages of getting one.
History of Pedestal Tables
Design historians have traced the pedestal table design to the candle stands back in the 17th century which, was used as bedside tables. The candle stands eventually evolved into the pedestal tables we know today and first became popular in the 18th century.
Because of their compact design, they were perfect for small spaces which, provided an elegant and expensive vibe. Besides being used as a dining table, others used them as display tables or as writing tables.
It is not surprising that pedestal tables haven’t gone out of style today. Many manufacturers have even created their unique style of the pedestal table to fit the taste and theme of modern homeowners.
Why You Should Get a Pedestal Dining Table
If you are still not convinced about getting a pedestal dining table for your home, the advantages below should change your mind.
No Legs Means More Room
The most obvious advantage that you can get from a pedestal dining table is it gives more legroom. Because of this, you can put more seats at the table to accommodate more people, which can be very beneficial to people who have a small dining room. So, when you have a party, you won’t have to worry about people who cannot sit.
Much More Luxurious To Look At
Another advantage is that the base of pedestal tables is more luxurious to look at than the regular legs of harvest tables. As was said, dining tables are large furniture. So, it would be best that you pick something beautiful. The last thing you want is something that will stick out like a sore thumb in your dining room. If you want to make a statement to your friends and guests, you can’t go wrong with a pedestal dining table.
Has Various Styles and Designs
Because of the creativity of manufacturers, there is now a large selection of pedestal tables you can choose from in the market. This means that you do not have to worry about your dining table not fitting the interior design of your house. Some styles and characteristics that you may encounter are:
Rectangular Tables – If you do not like round tables, you can also find rectangular pedestal tables in the market.
Animal Feet Accents – If you want something sophisticated, you can also find pedestal tables with animal accents. These tables are popular in Victorian-style tables and, you can find examples that use hooves, claws, and cat’s paws as decoration.
Leaves – If you want something very versatile, you can opt for a pedestal table with leaves. Leaves are inserts in tables, prefabricated to extend their size. This means that you can adjust your table according to the number of guests you have.
Conclusion
There is no denying the advantages you can get from pedestal dining tables. Its functionality and unique design are why it still has not faded into obscurity. So, if you want to get the most out of your dining table, what you need is a pedestal dining table. No doubt you and your family will be able to enjoy your dinner more if it’s the dining table you choose.
Even with all the contemporary, stylized furniture designs cropping up, Mennonite craftsmanship still manages to stand out centuries later; how so? The 1870 to 1880 migration of the Mennonite from different parts of Europe fostered a reputable woodworking legacy. Initially, Mennonites were known for their simple lifestyle, most taking up farming and woodworking as their livelihood. However, throughout the years, the Mennonite’s carpentry skills have drawn many, setting an indisputable standard for furniture makers. By taking a significant shift from only functionality, Mennonite furniture makers have re-established the craft- merging the traditional and modern furniture designs to breed sturdy, quality, hand-crafted wood additions with soul and character. But one thing remains, the superior carpentry of Mennonites today is rooted in their history and traditions and we are about to see how.
- Carpentry as a way of life
Nothing screams authenticity like furniture items built from scratch. Mennonite furniture originates from skilled craftsmen who have had years of carpentry skills passed down to them; it is a significant segment of their folk art. Furniture building comes naturally for Mennonites, each piece true to standard and complementary to any home design. A hand-crafted Queen Anne mahogany chest would be hard to miss in all of its classic glory.
- Grounding simplicity
Less is more! Mennonite’s traditions are founded on simplicity, and this quality seeps through every hand-crafted piece. A simple mission-style dining table design will undoubtedly blend in seamlessly with any décor and theme while giving undeniable character and balance to the room. Mennonite dining tables are trendy for their modest yet matchless appeal. The natural materials used in Mennonite furniture making are what sets apart simplicity from basic. Inlaid veneers and paint stains on a Walnut dining table are a definite eye-catcher.
- Passing of traditions
Mennonite pieces compound from solid wood, preferably hardwood, with great texture and grain. Additionally, the techniques and tools used for the craft are mostly hydraulic or pneumatic; this helps achieve the intricate handiwork characteristic of Mennonite furniture. Mennonite Craftsmen pay keen attention to the details opting to complete the finishing of the furniture pieces manually. Techniques like the mortise and tenon prominent with Mennonite guarantee a seamless fuse of the furniture while maintaining the impressive curves and straight cut of the furniture pieces.
- Durability rooted in their early works
In the beginning, Mennonite furniture stood for two main things; sturdiness and functionality, nothing more. With time they have added elements of decorations to their craft and however the first two elements hold ground even in their modern furniture. The materials sourced by artisans for Mennonite furniture sought to resist scrapes and dents over the years of service, not to mention the craft itself. Hand sanding and kiln drying the finished product are some of the Mennonite’s traditional practices of carpentry, which subsequently prevent the tear and wear of the masterpiece. The goal is to have any hand-crafted piece age gracefully. Mennonite pride themselves on quality woodwork worth each dime, so if it’s a cedar shaker crib you had your eyes on, brace yourself for a family heirloom.
Wrapping it up
Mennonite furniture has undeniably evolved over the years; however, the craft still maintains and borrows from the founding tradition. The materials and design for Mennonite furniture vary depending on taste, needs, and features. Mennonite furniture is nonetheless distinguishable- it is solid wood that attunes to personal preference. Buying pre-made furniture is limiting and boring. However, Mennonite furniture leaves wiggle room for choice and preference; whether it’s a four-seat breakfast table or an elegant twelve-seat dining table, Mennonite gives you the liberty to switch up based on the functionality, design, and preference. Besides, what’s a better way to bring out your personality than hand-crafted cabinetry?
Dinner parties are a dying art but art nonetheless (or are they?). The pandemic slowed the rolls on social get-togethers and hosting, but we are glad to say everything is back on board! Thanks to the team behind the vaccines, dinner parties are slowly making their way back into our homes, as we look forward to bringing our loved ones together and spending time with them, and what better way to do it than through food?
Apart from good food, nothing really tops a properly set dinner table. A beautifully set table adds anticipation to your meal and will have your guest talking even on their rides home. But how do you bring that ‘wow’ effect to your table? Dining table parties need some preparation, and we are here to help out. Here is all the inspiration you need to plan a dining table party successfully.
Find a suitable dining
A dining table allows you to host with ease. It really isn’t a dining table party if there is no dining; so, first thing’s first get a dining table. If you already have one, guest arrangement is next. However, if not, you need to browse for one suiting your needs. An extendable or round dining table is a good choice, especially if you like hosting. You can quickly work your way around adding more plates to the table if you need to.
Use place cards
It’s 2021, do I still need place cards? Absolutely! For the benefit of your guests, ensure you get place cards for the dining table party; that way, there is no confusion about where who should sit when the time comes to dine.
Rough up the tableware
Remember the China and silver you keep away for special occasions? Well, this is that occasion. Is the flatware not enough for all the guests? Don’t fret; you can mismatch tableware; mixing the vintage and new flatware adds some dimension to the table.
Have fun with the tablecloth
Are you hosting a dining table party? Time to bring out the linen. Linen is a traditional dinner party basic, but it still works. You do not have to stick to the white table cloth; add some color and texture to your table if you do not want to. Play around with color and patterns to keep things visually interesting at the table.
Get creative with seating
How many people are you hosting? It is essential to know how many people you will be accommodating at the table before you begin planning. Not many people have dining tables large enough to cater to a large group, but that is no reason to fret. With creative seating, you squeeze more people to the table. Antique stools and benches can serve as dining seating if your dining seats do not cater to all your guests.
Decorate wisely
Your dining table should look lovely, but not too overwhelming that it affects its function. The last thing you want is drinks spilling, elbows bumping, and candles knocked over at the table. Opt for low-maintenance decor that serves as a functional aesthetic to avoid taking up too much room at the table.
Stick to easy table setting ideas
Hosting is a hard as it is; why complicate it further with complex serving rituals? There are different tablespace looks you can opt for your dining table, but we suggest keeping things simple. A simple help-yourself set up in no way means any less successful dining setting than a grand setting at the Meisen porcelain museum.
Do not let those Bridgeton scenes throw you off your game because you now have all you need to plan a dinner party successfully. Get inspired with these guidelines to set up a dining table party that will wow your guests.
Hosting a dinner party requires thoroughly planning to be successful, fun, and memorable. You have to consider many things and factors to ensure that your guests will be entertained and relaxed while under your roof. As a host, it is your duty or responsibility to do the planning. So, as a guide, you may follow these tips to help you plan an enjoyable dinner party:
Create A Guest List
A dinner party would not be fun and memorable if you don’t have your friends and family as guests. So, before throwing a dinner party, you must create a guest list first. If you want your party to be intimate and solemn, choose those people closest to your heart–those with whom you want to spend your time the most.
Send Out An Invitation
After settling your guest list, proceed to invite each of them. Make sure that they receive the invitation, and don’t forget to ask an RSVP to know who among them can make it and attend the dinner party. Of course, there might be restrictions due to the pandemic. Do follow local regulations in your area about social gatherings to avoid any complications with law enforcement.
Choose A Theme
Choosing a theme for a dinner party is unnecessary, but it can add a lot of fun to the event. When you have a theme or motif, it would be more manageable for you to plan the decorations and the menu to serve at your dinner party. The theme of your party should depend on the occasion or the reason you are throwing the party.
Plan The Menu
It is not a dinner party if there is no food. Thus, you have to be strategic and selective when planning the list of recipes to prepare for the party. It would be best to select a recipe you can easily make to avoid being stressed, but hiring a cook or a chef is recommended if you want to be a little extra. Your menu should include appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and beverages.
Declutter And Clean Your House
A clean house is a happy house. The moment your guests step in your home, you’d want them to feel happy and welcome. You don’t want your house to appear messy and cluttered to your guests. So, before throwing a dinner party, it is recommended that you declutter and clean your home first. Organize all your belongings and arrange your furniture. Sanitize the place and make sure that it is dust-free.
Cook Smart
You have a list of recipes to prepare for the party, and the only way to successfully have them all on your table is to be strategic when cooking. After buying all the ingredients you will need, you have to plan which recipes you should prepare first.
Make A Playlist
Lighten up the mood of the party by preparing a playlist ahead of time. Be selective when choosing the songs you include in the playlist. If you plan to throw an intimate party, avoid loud songs and go for classics or instrumental. These types of music have calming and relaxing effects, making your dinner atmosphere at ease.
Set The Mood
Besides music, lighting and decors can set the mood of your dinner party. You may opt to light some candles, put up flowers, and offer a glass of wine at the beginning of the dinner to make the ambiance more relaxing. As the dinner proceeds, be a host and accommodate your guests by asking them their needs and wants.
Set The Table
The dinner table full of food is the heart of the party. It is where your guests enjoy the food you prepare. Thus, you must ensure that it is all set before you start the party. Prepare all the utensils and plates and arrange them correctly on the table. For a formal dinner party, you must prepare the placemat, the napkins, and other condiments on the table.
Prepare Yourself
As the host, you must be the life of the party. Besides preparing the food, the mood, and the table, you should also prepare yourself. No matter how stressful the dinner preparation is, face and greet your guests gracefully as they come. So, allot some time for yourself to pamper up before you come down and see your guests.
Takeaway
Throwing a dinner party may seem stressful with all the preparation and the after-party clean-up. But it is manageable when you know how to do it. To make the dinner party preparation less stressful, consider those tips mentioned above. They are all doable and practical.