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You don’t have to be an expert to host a great dinner social! With these easy tips, you can impress your guests with a gourmet meal and elegant presentation.

Table

The table will be the focal point of your dinner party, so make it count! Depending on the meal or number of courses you’re serving, you can set your table simply or more formally: 

  1. Set out placemats. 
  2. Place a dinner plate in the center of the placemat.
  3. Put a fork to the left of the plate.
  4. Place a knife to the right of the plate, and a spoon to the right of the knife.
  5. Set a water glass in the top right corner above the knife and a wine glass to the right of the water glass.
  6. Lay a napkin underneath the fork. 

Additional Elegant Touches: 

  • Use a chic napkin ring, or fold your napkin into an elegant shape, and place in the center of the dinner plate instead of under the fork.
  • Place a dessert spoon horizontally above the dinner plate to frame each setting.
  • Add a place card with the guest’s name above the dessert spoon so guests know where to sit.

Centerpieces

When it comes to centerpieces, you have endless options depending on your theme, type of gathering, or music to transform your space. Keep your decor consistent with your theme and season to create a cozy and cohesive place for guests. 

For example, if you’re planning an autumn dinner party, choose centerpieces with fall colors, textures, and tones. You can also incorporate pieces of nature for added interest. Seasonal items like pumpkins for fall, evergreen branches for winter, delicate flowers for spring, and lush fruit for summer is another perfect way to bring the outdoors in! 

Dinner Lighting

Lighting is key to set the mood for any gathering! Dim the lights where your guests will be eating or socializing and make use of your task lighting or lamps. Candles are another beautiful way to add warmth and atmosphere to any dinner party. If it’s cooler, you can also have a fire going to provide additional ambience. 

At Country Style Marketplace, we’re proud to be St. Clair County’s only gourmet meat market — with farm fresh produce and an unmatched selection of wine. You can count on us to provide the highest quality products and unforgettable customer service. Give us a call at 810.987.4141 or stop by and visit us in store!