Interior and Design

Your guide to hosting a dinner party

By Cara Messina | August 10, 2016

If you are like me and feeling inspired by all the cooking shows, you may or may not be holding your own version of My Kitchen Rules with your friends. My friends and I are on to our second round of our own MKR’s and the stakes are high. Along with nailing all your dishes there’s also the dinner table setting and theme to consider. Follow this guide on how to host a magazine worthy dinner party.

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CHOOSE A THEME

Choosing a theme is the easy part. Generally the food you cook will lend itself to a location/ country and colour theme. If you’re a lover of seafood, opt for a beach theme. Bring in warm timber colours and highlight with bright blues, whites and a splash of yellow.

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CREATE A FOOD STATEMENT

Make life a little easier at the table by having a separate location for all the food and drinks. Add heights and different textures with the use of stands and different serving trays.

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GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR CHINA

Be daring and mix bright colours and prints with your china. The trick to this trend is to go all out and work with at least 6 colours that co-ordinate together.

Always remember, a dinner party is no time for paper plates or anything plastic for that matter. If you’re worried about items breaking, fret no more. Your guests will most likely be on their best behavior when your setting looks its best.

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MAKE IT PERSONAL

If you want to go the extra mile, make it personal with a name card and menu. In terms of the design the sky really is the limit; just be sure to keep the design in line with your theme.

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THE SHOW STOPPER

Make a statement with a centre piece. If you love a mix of textures, opt for lush florals, bright greenery and contrast with rose gold metallic decor. Ensure your centerpiece is the key element on your table and keep your china to clean colours like white.

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THE FINAL TOUCH

Add your own personal touch to the night with an unexpected element. As the night begins to wrap up, place a conversational piece or two on the table. This could be with quirky napkin holders or updating the humble ice cream cone to hold delicious cinnamon donuts.