One of my favorite things about Fall and Winter are all the dinner parties we host. During the summer we host a lot of outdoor parties but there’s just something about gathering everyone around a beautiful table, with delicious food, that makes my heart pitter patter.
When we moved into our house last year I bought an extra large dining room table so that I could gather as many people as possible around it. Last year for Thanksgiving there were 12 of us sitting around, eating amazing food and laughing at my father-in-law for starting with dessert instead of turkey.
One of my other favorite things about throwing a dinner party are the details that go into each place setting. I want my guests to feel welcomed, at home, and like they never want to leave the party.
I love making custom place settings so guests don’t have to worry about where there going to sit. I made these with leftover scrapbook paper and twine. It was a free project that looks fabulous.
To save money on centerpieces I like to use pieces of nature from around our house. For this centerpiece I went down our hill and found a large branch. I sprayed it with glitter which transformed it into a gorgeous, free centerpiece that glistened in the candlelight.
And don’t worry about everything matching. When I host large parties I never have enough of one set so I like to mix and match. Mixing it up adds character and charm to the table, it also gives your guests lots to talk about. 🙂
And never forget the wine! Your guest are guaranteed to sit around and visit longer if they have something in their hands to drink. Long after dessert is over our best conversations, and our deepest laughs, are usually when we are sitting around with a glass of wine just enjoying each others company.
When you host a large party clean up is always the conversation that gets put off until the very end. No one wants to get up and do the dishes. That’s why this year I’m putting the Electrolux Stainless Steel Dishwasher with IQ-Touch™ Controls on my Christmas list.
With racks that adjust to hold most glasses, including wine glasses, pots, pans and large platters, I won’t be up late washing them by hand anymore!
And with a 30-minute fast wash cycle the dishes will be clean and ready to be put away before my head even hits the pillow.
What are your favorite holiday hosting tips? I’m getting excited about all the holiday dinner parties coming up so I’d love to hear your ideas!
The new Electrolux dishwasher provides a professional level clean with its 30-minute wash and dry cycle. As the highest rated dishwasher on Reviewed.com (http://dishwashers.reviewed.com/content/electrolux-ei24id50qs-dishwasher-review ), it also features SatelliteSpray Arm technology which provides 400% more water coverage than a traditional dishwasher. Visit ElectroluxAppliances.com for more information on this and other stylish and functional options available from Electrolux.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Electrolux via Mode Media. All ideas and opinions are my own.
Lauren says
Beautiful! I love the twine and chalkboard label name tags! The twig and bird are adorable, too! I might have to style my fall table after yours! 🙂
Anna says
Ahh, thank you Lauren! It was a beautiful table setting, even prettier in the candle light. 🙂
Vanessa says
What a beautiful table setting Anna! LOVE the branch in the middle and that dishwasher sounds awesome!
Megan says
I love the cute name tags tied to the silverware and the little note for people to write what they are thankful for. Such personal touches! And I’ve really missed having a dishwasher the last few years. The 30 minute cycle sounds amazing!
Anna says
You don’t have a dishwasher!? Oh my goodness, I wouldn’t survive. :/
LUCY says
This is so beautiful. I love that though it’s a fall table, it can easily be transitioned into winter as well…great job.
Anna says
Thank you so much Lucy!
Kelly @ thelilypadcottage says
Love love love! Those chalkboard tags are so cute! That dishwasher is amazing too!
Randi - Dukes and Duchesses says
I love a pretty table … and EVERYTHING goes in the dishwasher after, even my best china!
Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says
Beautiful Anna! Love the little chalkboard tags!
Anna says
Thank you! 🙂
Taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says
Absolutely gorgeous place setting! Pinned 🙂
Anna says
Thank you!