How to build the perfect table-scape for spring dinner parties

Dinner parties are currently enjoying a surge in popularity, and frankly, it's long overdue. While dining out and hitting the bars can be enjoyable, there's something special about the intimacy of hosting a dinner party at home. With less noise, less pressure, and an endless array of snacks and drinks, it's a delightful way to entertain. If you're considering stepping away from the crowds and hosting an intimate dinner party at home this spring, we've compiled some tips to help you bring it to life.

At the heart of any successful dinner party lies the table. Therefore, having a tablescape that dazzles and impresses is crucial. Your tablescape sets the tone for the evening, can serve as a conversation starter, and adds vibrancy to the room. Your table can be more than just a place for serving dinner. Here are some steps to help you create the perfect dinner party table.

Step 1: Choose a Theme

Whether it's spring fever, the glamour of a mob wife's table, the bounty of harvest, or memories of the ocean, selecting a theme evokes a particular aesthetic. Your table could be covered in flowers, drenched in red and cheetah print, coated in raw fruits and veggies, or beaded with pearls and pops of seafoam green. Picking a theme for your tablescape helps you decide on specific decor pieces you want to present.

Step 2: Consider Engagement

Dinner parties are meant to be fun, and sometimes, if you’re just sitting around a table talking it can get a bit stale. When you’re creating your tablescape, think of it as an opportunity for a during-dinner activity. Maybe your tablescape could feature a giant piece of paper instead of a tablecloth, and you provide each guest with a few different markers. Now, your tablescape went from a piece of decor to something fun and functional.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

Almost anything can serve as a centerpiece on a table — from loaves of bread to citrus fruits and herbs. You don’t have to break the bank to make your table beautiful. Be creative, use old knick-knacks you have around your home or leftover raw ingredients from your cooking, or head to the thrift store and pick up old glassware. Think about the plates you’ll use to serve as well as each individual place setting. You could mix and match different kinds of materials, textures, and colors to create something whimsical. Or, you could stick to something classic and elegant like silver trays and white porcelain. Whatever you decide, use your imagination and creativity!

Step 4: Craft Your Masterpiece

When assembling your tablescape, consider textures, colors, the varying heights of different objects, and the spacing between guests. Remember, you’re not limited to just a centerpiece. This is your chance to showcase your creativity. Layer different elements with contrasting shapes, scatter forks and knives around the plates, use mugs instead of traditional cups — feel free to break the rules of conventional table etiquette and forge your own path along the way.