How to Decorate for an Elegant Dinner Party

Planning an elegant dinner party involves more than selecting a menu. Decorating to set the mood and ambiance is easily accomplished with attention to detail. A few inexpensive touches can create a lavish affair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Luminaries
• White light strands
• Table linens
• Silver trays
• Flowers
• Candles

1. Thoroughly clean your home and grounds before the party. Welcome arriving guests with candlelit luminaries lining the walkway or entry steps. Put twinkling white lights around shrubs in your yard.

2. Be an attentive host. Dress up for the event in cocktail or evening attire. As a host, your appearance reflects the elegant theme. Offer to store coats and purses in a hall closet or bedroom. Later in the evening, propose a toast to your guests.

3. 
    
   Serve with silver

   Display appetizers on silver trays garnished with parsley or lined with lettuce or banana leaves. In addition to other beverages, offer a signature cocktail of the evening with a lemon or lime slice for a splash of color.

4. 
    
   A candle centerpiece

   Choose lace or rich-colored table linens. Use cloth napkins of the same or a coordinating color. Create a focal point with a dramatic dinner table centerpiece such as a large floral arrangement or candelabra.

5. Properly set the table with china, glassware and silverware. Check that there are no water spots on the dishes. In addition to fine wine, place a crystal pitcher of ice water with lemon slices on the table. Serve the meal from china, silver or crystal platters and bowls.

Tips & Warnings

• Beautify your bathroom with new towels and fancy soaps. If the bathroom counter or tub ledge has room, add a bud vase with fresh flowers. Throughout the evening, check if there is ample toilet paper and tissues for the guest's comfort.

References

• Williams-Sonoma Entertaining: Dinner Parties
• Good Things for Easy Entertaining: The Best of Martha Stewart Living