- Searches for ‘dining décor ideas’ have increased by 133% in the past 12 months
- Wren Kitchens have teamed up with interior experts to reveal top tips for hosting a memorable dinner party
With searches for ‘dining décor ideas’ seeing a 133%1 increase over the past 12 months and ‘dinner party décor ideas’ accumulating 87.8K views on TikTok2, it is clear people are looking for inspiration for hosting a dinner party.
Home dinner parties can be a cost-effective method of socialising, as an alternative to going out. It also provides a more comfortable and intimate experience as your guests don’t have to deal with driving and parking to the venue or waiting for a table at the restaurant.
So, whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-timer, Wren Kitchens has collaborated with interior experts Kate Conrad and Nicola Rodriguez3 to provide expert tips on how to elevate your kitchen space and create a perfect party atmosphere, making you a top host.
- Have a theme
Consider incorporating a theme into your dinner party to create a fun experience. Whether it’s a seasonal theme like Christmas sparkles, a specific cuisine such as Italian, or a cultural inspiration like Carnival, themed decorations can add a unique touch to your kitchen ambiance.
Kate says, “Having the correct theme and getting each element right is very important. This adds to the occasion by bringing a sense of character to the party. For example, if you’re doing a Great Gatsby theme, use sophisticated decorations, such as fresh flowers and elegant tablecloths to create a luxurious atmosphere that mirrors the famous film.”
- Add a personal touch with a signature drink
Add a personal touch to your dinner party by creating a signature drink that reflects your taste and style. Offer it to your guests upon arrival for a warm and welcoming gesture.
Kate says, “Making your own drink can be a cost-effective method of incorporating alcoholic drinks into your party. For example, add a twist on the classic Paloma by adding coconut syrup. However, don’t forget to offer a selection of wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and water to cater to different preferences.”
- Transform your countertop or kitchen island into a bar
Whether you have a kitchen island or a countertop, transforming it into a drinks bar will elevate the overall dining experience. This allows guests to help themselves to the choice of drinks available throughout the whole night, which eases your hosting duties.
This is also great if you have a small kitchen as you are maximising the use of space, both a practical and stylish solution without having to set up a separate drinks area.
- Set the mood with music, smell and lighting
Kate says, “Whether it’s one guest or 25, setting the mood goes a long way. Having the right lighting and music can make a significant difference in hosting a successful dinner party. Candles or dim lights as well as soft classical music can be complementary to the ambiance, however, make sure your music doesn’t overpower conversations.
“Consider using warm, soft lighting to create a cosy and intimate ambiance. Fairy lights or an LED lamp are a great option as they allow you to adjust the brightness as the evening progresses.”
You can also delight your guests’ senses with scented candles or fresh herbs from you cooking. The aroma of these natural elements will enhance the overall dining experience and make your kitchen feel even more inviting.
- Have a buffet-style dinner
Nicola advises, “Opt for a buffet-style meal where you present dishes in the middle of your table, this enables your guests to help themselves. Buffet meals offers everyone the flexibility to choose portion sizes and the dishes they want to try. Buffets are especially appealing to guests with varying appetites and dietary needs.”
A selection of food is convenient for large groups as it facilitates a smooth and efficient dining process, ensuring all guests can be served promptly. It also creates a more informal setting, so guests can move around and mingle.
- Get creative
Your dining table is the focal point of the kitchen during a dinner party. Choose elegant tableware, polished cutlery, and beautiful centrepieces for an aesthetic appeal as they set the tone for a special occasion and enhance your presentation. Kate suggests, “Use fairy lights around the kitchen counter or dinner table or reuse old wine bottles for flowers for a quirky look.”
Tiered stands and serving platters are an efficient and stylish way of presenting your dishes for a buffet-style serving. They help save space and make it easier for guests to see and access the foods available.
Crisp, fresh linens can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Opt for high-quality tablecloths, napkins, and placemats that complement the overall colour scheme. Sage green has gained immense popularity in kitchen design due to its soothing and versatile qualities, so if you’re looking to refresh your kitchen colour, this earthy hue is perfect to bring a sense of tranquillity and freshness to your culinary space.
Darren Watts, Showroom Development and Design Director at Wren Kitchens comments: “These expert tips will help you create a stunning and welcoming kitchen environment for your next dinner party.
And if you’re planning a new kitchen, consider how often you host and factor this into your design. Having a kitchen island or more luxurious and spacious kitchen counters are imperative to parties.”
For more information on kitchen styling, please see the full blog here: https://www.wrenkitchens.com/blog/how-to-style-your-kitchen-for-a-dinner-party
