My husband and I lived in a very tiny apartment in Washington, D.C., for eight years. We sacrificed space for location and loved living right in the middle of everything despite not having much room to live. We had two children, so much of the space we did have went to their cribs, toys, car seats, etc. Loving to entertain, we did save a little space for a handful of hosting essentials like nice dishes, napkins, silverware, etc., but kept those items to a minimum. Because we loved to host and throw parties, we had people in our home all the time. And often, it was the same people. I wanted each party to be unique and special, so I had to be very creative about how I presented the small hosting supplies I owned. It was tricky making the same items look different for each occasion! I often pulled décor from my home to help me out.
Some of you may be in the same position, so I thought I would share some of my tips for hosting a fabulous lunch or dinner party with items from around your home!
Search the Apartment
The first step to hosting a dinner party is to gather supplies for your table. Search your house or apartment for items that could serve as a centerpiece, contribute to a focal point or bring height to your table. I love using old crates, storage boxes or books to prop up food or decorations and bring dimension to my tablescape. Be creative and think outside the box. Even the most unique and common household item can look fabulous on a table.
Color and Texture
Another way to create a unique tablescape is to bring in pops of color, pattern and texture. I always try to use varying placemats, napkins and table runners, all unique in texture and color, to create a cohesive table. When those traditional items look a little stale, I get creative! I use cardstock or fabric as placemats, a wicker doormat for under a centerpiece or even a pillowcase as a table runner. Look around your home and find unique prints, colors and patterns that tie in with your theme. In previous years, it was popular for all items to match, but mixing it up is very much the rage right now. Mix and match your cardstock placemats! Use different pieces of silverware for each place setting! Provide cotton, linen or fabric napkins, all in a different color! All these ideas are fun techniques to bring contrast and interest to your table.
Flower Power
One of the easiest ways to create a beautiful and unique tablescape is with flowers or greenery. They bring color and liveliness to a table like little else can. And if you are creative, you can obtain flowers and greenery at little to no cost. Before I head to the store to purchase flowers, I check out the scenery in my backyard or neighborhood. There are a ton of great shrubs, wildflowers, tree branches and bushes that look fantastic on a table. I always check to see if any of those items are available and snip away (asking first, of course, if it’s private property). If nothing outside your front door works, I usually head to Costco or Sam’s Club, where the arrangements of flowers are large and great quality at a really great price. Once home and preparing for my party, I like to break apart the purchased bouquet and create three or four little arrangements before placing them on my table or around the apartment. As mentioned earlier, they bring out great color and a liveliness I think is important to any party. They also serve as a great party favor or takeaway! Give an arrangement to your guests as they leave to serve as a memory of the fabulous party.
I hope these tips help! Great parties are made by the people who attend, but creating a great environment and vibe always helps. Do you love to entertain? What are some of your tips and tricks for hosting a party? Do you decorate with items from around your house?