Hosting a dinner is not just about the food. A well-styled dinner table sets the stage for your food to grab the centre of attention. Decorating a dinner table is a fun way to show off your style and charm. It takes only a bit of planning and imagination to set up a beautiful, inviting table that your guests will love to dine from. In this article, we’ll show you how to style your dinner table like a pro in 5 simple steps.
1. Prepare the room and the table
Before getting started on the dinner table, dust and vacuum the dining room. Don’t forget to clean the windows, curtains, and shelves. Even if you don’t have time to clean the entire home, ensure that the areas your guests are most likely to spend time in are clean.
To set the table, lay an undercloth before you place your tablecloth. This makes it easier for guests to place their arms on the table and protects your table from spills.
2. Create a mood board and colour palette
Creating a mood board will help you design a pleasing, cohesive dinner table. Use websites like Pinterest and Canva to select an overall theme, and add reference images so that you have some inspiration to start from.
If you want to do it the old-fashioned way, stick cutouts from magazines on a board so that you can envision your dinner aesthetic. Be it rustic chic, romantic candlelight, or cocktail elegance, having a mood board will help you expand your vision.
Once you’ve set up a mood board, pick a colour palette so you can choose settings appropriately. You can repurpose dinnerware you already have at home by incorporating them into your colour scheme. Walk around your home and garden to find inspiration so that the entire home follows a similar style. This will make your guests enjoy your aesthetic from the minute they walk in.
3. Pick a centrepiece
Selecting a centrepiece is a big deal, as it is the star of the dinner table and a conversation starter. A centrepiece elevates the style of the table and ties the whole theme together, scent-free, natural candles are a good natural alternative. Pick a centre table that goes with the theme and mood of the night.
Fresh-cut flowers from the garden in a crystal vase can brighten any table. Succulents in charming pots are very in this season. Colourful seasonal produce on a statement bowl give guests a sneak peek into the meal to come. Fresh-cut herbs from the garden bring cheer to the table. Edible arrangements like chocolate, cupcakes, or macarons add a playful touch. Aroma diffusers or candles from local wholesale candle stores make your table look and smell divine.
4. Add place settings and dinnerware
Another way to elevate your dinner table is to pay attention to place settings and dinnerware. If you opt for name cards, use handmade paper and calligraphy to make them stand out. Innovative place setting ideas include using custom party favours (like a bonbon, macaron, or a small candle). Place fresh herbs like sweet basil, lavender, or even a flower to add to the rustic charm.
When it comes to dinnerware, place smaller plates on top of larger ones. Arrange cutlery to the side and place a napkin on it or inside a glass. You might want to secure the napkin with a ribbon or some twine (you can place an herb on it too!). For a more formal night, fold napkins into innovative shapes.
5. Play with textures
Mix and match different textures to add another dynamic element to your table. For instance, a side plate could be of a different texture compared to the other plates. Hand-moulded glass can add some texture as well.
Serving bread from a wicker basket or pouring juice from statement jugs can elevate the design of the dinner table. Adding one or two textural elements with some neutral pieces makes your design stand out.
Closing Thoughts
A dinner table is where you can let your creativity shine. Be it for everyday meals or a special occasion, making your dinner table stand out is a wonderful way to bond with your family, friends, and guests. Once you’re done with these steps, pick a playlist to reflect the mood of the dinner, and let the good times flow. Bon appetit!
