Decorate the dinner table with ease.
Whether you're decorating the table for a small dinner party or hosting a special celebration, dinner-party place settings can make the occasion feel even more memorable. We've put together a list of dinner party essentials and simple dinner table decoration ideas to make setting the table easy. Continue reading below to find inspiration for your next dinner party.
Create a solid base for any dinner-party table settings with high-quality pieces. We recommend choosing long-lasting dinnerware materials, such as porcelain. Crafted to be durable and nonporous, porcelain dinnerware is made to last. Choose a white porcelain set for a timeless and versatile option that can be used for everyday dining or special occasions. White porcelain dinnerware makes it easy to mix and match pieces from different sets while still looking cohesive. Layer white porcelain plates with patterned accents to add a bit of color, or pair a white porcelain set with white table linens for a clean, refreshing tablescape.
Pro Tip:
Add a stylish bar cart to your dinner party. Choose a bar car with two or three shelves to display unique glasses and decanters. Stock the bar with great basics, such as simple glassware and bar tools, so that you'll be prepared for any last-minute entertaining.
Give your dinner guests a spot to graze before the meal with a cheese board. Opt for a stone cheese board to create an elegant spread, or choose a wood cheese board for a more relaxed look. With long-lasting durability and natural water resistance, acacia wood is a great choice for cheese boards – and you can pop an acacia board into the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Top the cheese board with a simple arrangement of cheese, meats, and fruits. Start with the larger pieces, such as a few wedges of cheese or a row of crackers, and then fill in open spaces with nuts, sliced fruit, and cured meat. Add a few cheese knives for serving, and garnish with local or seasonal pieces (like crisp apples) for a special finish.
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Impress your dinner party guests with an elegant tablescape. One of our favorite dinner table decoration ideas is choosing an accent color and using it throughout the tablescape. Opt for a dark color, such as burgundy or navy, for an effortless and cohesive look. Choose linens and table decor in the same shade. Consider washing machine- and iron-safe linens to simplify prep and cleaning. Create a floral arrangement using similar shades, incorporating different types of flowers for textured variety.
Roll cloth napkins and secure them in a metallic napkin ring to add a bit of shine. Place the rolled napkins on top of the dinner plates and top the dinner-party table settings with a simple place card for a personalized touch. When picking out formal dinnerware sets, we suggest choosing chip-resistant sets. Whether you have little ones helping you set the table or need to put out a few plates in a hurry for last-minute guests, you won't need to worry about being extra cautious.
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On warm evenings, we love hosting dinner parties on the patio. Create inviting dinner-party table settings with a colorful melamine dinnerware set. Melamine is a lightweight, shatterproof material ideal for outdoor dining. With a variety of colors and patterns, melamine dinnerware brightens up any outdoor dining space. Use outdoor serving platters to streamline serving and make after-dinner cleaning easy. For dinner table decoration ideas, opt for simple table linens to complement the dinnerware. Layer a rustic burlap table runner over a striped runner to add dimension to the table and finish with a fresh floral arrangement.
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Fall is one of the best times to gather for a cozy dinner party. With an eclectic farmhouse table, laidback dinner-party table settings are easy to put together. For autumnal dinner table decoration ideas, start by placing a table runner across the center of the table. Choose a table runner in a deep autumnal shade, like dark plum or burnt orange. Opt for a reversible runner to double your options.
For the centerpiece, create a festive arrangement instead of florals. Trim fall branches and bits of greenery, such as eucalyptus stems or a spray of olive branches. Incorporate warmth with copper-colored candlesticks, and add rattan chargers beneath the plates to add natural texture. Beside each plate, lay a fabric napkin topped with flatware and a mug for sipping warm mulled cider.
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Unsure what size table runner you need? Read to find the best fit.
Dress up the dining table for a holiday gathering. Pair traditional dinnerware with brass flatware and gold-rimmed glasses to create subtle, elegant dinner-party table settings. Incorporate plates with festive motifs, such as snowflakes or pine trees, for a bit of classic holiday spirit. Add height to the tablescape with a set of brass candlesticks and a vase filled with dried stems. Wrap small boxes with holiday wrapping paper and tie a ribbon around the gift in a neat bow. Tuck a name card beneath the ribbon and place the gift box on the plate for a bespoke touch that each guest will appreciate.
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Pro Tip:
For more festive table-setting ideas, read our guide with easy tips for creating memorable holiday tablescapes.
Set the table for a summer celebration with the classic color combination of red, white, and blue. Create simple and practical dinner-party place settings by pulling together different dinner party essentials to create a summer tablescape, such as blue ceramic serveware or a table runner with red details. Choose table linens with clean lines and muted tones to create a timeless look. Place two striped table runners vertically along the table for an interesting twist. Add stems of greenery to a vase filled with red and white florals to freshen up the color palette.
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Make a home-cooked meal stand out with a simple black-and-white color palette. Choose vintage-inspired dinnerware with traditional floral motifs. Pair the dinnerware set with gray chargers and a smooth black tablecloth to match the monochromatic color palette. Incorporate brass details, such as brass candlesticks or brass-toned flatware, to bring a touch of warmth to the dinner-party table settings.
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Pro Tip:
Interested in setting the table for everyday entertaining? Read our guide 11 Tablescape Ideas for Any Occasion for easy table-setting ideas made for casual dining.
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