​The homify guide to easy dinner party decoration

You have two options when it comes to your dinner table’s centrepiece: something simple which doesn’t distract from the main attraction, or a piece that stands out and becomes a topic of conversation. 

Just make sure to keep your arrangements low enough that your guests can make eye contact with one another while visiting across the table.

Apart from a centrepiece, see where you can pick a piece of theme that adds a wow factor to your table. It may be a bold print, a beautiful set of dinner plates, a show-stopping floral arrangement, spectacular stemware, or even some white-and-gold motifs popping out from the plates, as shown in our example above. 

homify hint: Tabletops are the perfect place to have a little fun with pattern. And mixing plates and glasses with various colours and patterns gives your table some personality. To get your dinner party decoration perfect, start with a charger, then layer a classic white dinner plate as a blank canvas. Next, place a salad or dessert plate, or both if they are needed. But the top plate must be the one that really shows off. Thus, if you’re not using one with bright colours or bold patterns, simply place something atop it that can grab attention, like a beautifully folded napkin or even a fresh flower.

One for water and one for whatever beverage you are serving. This not only makes it more practical for your guests, but also ensures a touch of luxury. And it’s always nice to be able to cleanse your palate with a refreshing glass of water in-between courses.

homify hint: Add some fruit to your water for extra flavour and colour. Some of the more popular options include fresh slices of pineapple and lemon and blackberries, sliced peaches and strawberries, or slices of cucumber, lemon and some sprigs of mint.

If done right, a simple decorative buffet may be the only dinner party decoration you will need. This is also an exquisite idea for the dessert table, with cakes and whatever else you’re serving all set up nicely on a table, as shown in this exceptional example above. 

Just ensure that your food/dessert table’s decorations and colours match up with the rest of the room/theme.

There’s nothing like some soft lighting to create an instant intimate and fun party vibe. Plus it hides dust bunnies and complements one’s appearance.  

Scatter candles of various heights and sizes about your party space, but be sure to use more lighting around tables and food areas.

While it’s true that elegant soirees usually have more neutral hues, one can always ensure a piece here or there that pops with colour. And with millions of free printables available from party shops and online, it has become even easier to decorate a party without spending a fortune. 

If you want to go green, you can always recycle papers like brown paper bags into fun party bunting or decorations.

homify hint: Balloons are not just for children’s parties. Sticking with one or two colours and opting for less rather than more can ensure just the right touch of fun for a mature get-together. Hang them from the ceiling with curling ribbon or string, scatter them around on the floor, or use the balloons to create a backdrop on a wall (perhaps behind your dessert table).

Don’t stress if you don’t have the perfect glassware or dinner plates for 12 guests. Mixing your stemware, plates, and other dinnerware creates texture and interest and can become dinner party decoration in itself.

It’s super easy and inexpensive to go with a natural look for your dinner party, but also quite trendy. This simple tabletop was enhanced perfectly via some leaves and flowers, tied perfectly together by the foliage-themed runner. 

Remember: The most vital ingredient for your party is good, old-fashioned fun. If you are having a good time, then so will your guests. Focus on friends and family at your party and make them feel welcome. The decorations, after all, are just icing on the cake.

And since the weather seems to be playing along, you might want to check out these Handy tips for hosting an outdoor party.