Are you hosting a party but have no idea where to start? There are many easy ways you can make your next get together amazing with just a few tweaks and additions. This article will discuss the table setting process in detail, including setting up the tablecloth right and adding some colour or theme-based decor.
Set the Ambience
You can sum up the ambience of the party in two words: lighting and music.
The first thing you should do when talking about setting the ambience is to ensure plenty of light, specifically as a form of mood lighting. Mood lights are essential for creating an atmosphere made up of romantic or intimate undertones. Next, make sure your guests feel welcomed from their arrival by turning on some bright lamps throughout the area where they will congregate before dinner time.
While candles may seem like the perfect option, it is not advisable to use them because it’s challenging to have enough space around everyone without having wax drops fall off onto chairs and clothes.
A great dinner party starts with setting the mood. Create a space where people can relax and enjoy themselves, imagine that they are in their kitchen or dining room. You don’t need to spend money on candles and fancy tableware; use what you have at home! Make it feel like someone’s living room – not just your place of work.
Lay the Tablecloth
Lay the tablecloth on top of the table and make sure it overlaps with both edges. Start at one end and roll up to the other, overlapping as you go. Smooth out any wrinkles in the cloth using your hands or a napkin, don’t use pins! Ensure that you use high-quality material like those from Richard Haworth to maintain the standard appearance that will go with the décor and food.
Keep in mind that if there is an odd number of seats for dinner, then someone might be sitting by themselves without anything to lean against while they eat their meal, so slide something under their place setting like a book or magazine. It will provide extra comfort during each course, making them feel more included in conversation too!
Add a Pop of Colour
Colourful tableware is one of the easiest ways to make your meal feel special. It’s also easy to bring in all those colourful dishes you’ve got in storage and mix them up with white, silver or gold pieces for some artfully random results!
The key here is not to go overboard and use every piece you have, but rather work this technique into your existing set-up to avoid an overbearing effect on guests’ eyes.
Give Options in Drinks and Meals
Referring to your dinner party theme, you can provide different options for drinks and meals. For example, you could have a cocktail bar with two types of fruit juice (non-alcoholic), wine, beer, champagne, or sparkling water.
Serve the dishes in courses, so people don’t fill up too many carbs before their main course arrives. A starter such as ham hock terrine would be ideal, along with savoury pieces of bread like rye crackers and Parmesan crisps. For those who prefer lighter fare, serve shrimp rolls which are easy to make ahead of time.
Pick an Interesting Centrepiece
A centrepiece is often the first thing you see on a table, and it draws your eye to the rest of the setting. If you’re hosting an informal party, then any centrepiece will do! Perhaps just some flowers or a bowl with fruit can make for a lovely display. For more formal gatherings, try something like ginger jars filled with candles as they are both functional and decorative.
Have a Theme and Stick to It
The next thing to consider has a theme. For instance, maybe you want to have a picnic-themed event and need something for the table setting that includes flowers, fruit, or corn stalks (as in at an actual farm). You can pick out dishes based on this theme as well. Use colourful plates and bowls if possible! They will make everything look more exciting.
Having a theme for your dinner will help you get creative with your table setting and create a cohesive look. Try to use dishes that go together, like matching plates or cups. You can also mix patterns on the tablecloth in an unexpected way for added flair!
Conclusion
In conclusion, hosting a get together can be tricky, but if you follow the tips given in this guide and go ahead with confidence, your event will be well received. Remember to set the ambience by choosing an exciting centrepiece and creating options for drinks and dishes, and set your party off to a good start.
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