Kitchen Tip: Table Settings for a Dinner Party

Entertaining, Home

Table set for outdoor dining with dessert course of strawberry flan with creme fraiche and pink champagne by candlelight in the evening.

Does your table look like this when you sit down to eat a meal?

Do you even have a table?

In my college apartment, my two roommates and I had a small kitchenette table with four chairs that I think we sat at about three times in two years, opting instead to eat on the stools that surrounded our counter.

In my first apartment out of college, we didn’t even own anything that remotely resembled a kitchen table and when I moved to my second apartment, I took with me a kitchen table that I inherited from my parents’ basement.

That table traveled (albeit not so well) to Chicago, where it now doubles as my desk from 9-5.

Think: stacks of cookbooks, bills, notebooks full of plans and outlines. It’s not exactly fit for ladies who lunch.

 

Even though I don’t have a grandiose kitchen table fit for lavish dinner parties I still like to entertain.

I like to have friends over to eat too many finger foods, drink too much wine, laugh too loud and stay out too late.

Although paper plates have certainly made the occasional appearance in my kitchen, it’s still possible to pull off a a tapas night, wine and cheese party – or even a sit down dinner – when your cabinets contain little more than some Target dinner plates.

dinner table place settings

Mix it Up

If you’re hosting a party for 10 people but your kitchen cabinet only contains a set of four dinner plates, invite a few close friends to bring some dishes. Sure, they won’t match, but that will only add to the eclectic, casual decor for your party.

Ditch the White Tablecloth

Linens are a great thing to own for a special occasion (see: your in-laws are coming to dinner and you want to impress them) but if you have a small table or are dining around your coffee table, a roll of brown craft paper is a perfect backdrop for your food that will protect your table.

Bonus: the easy clean-up.

Use Jars

Canning is all the rage right now but a canning jar is even more versatile. It can act as a small vase for flowers, a vessel for holding silverware or even as pedestals to place plates to create a layered look and make more space on your table.

Plates that Pop

Colorful dishware can be fun but if you want your food to stand out (and why wouldn’t you?) serve it on white plates. Food looks the best when plated on a neutral background and you can find white plates in all shapes and sizes for different types of parties. I like to use big round plates with rectangular serving dishes – just to keep things interesting.

Giveaway

Screen Shot 2017-02-10 at 8.08.36 PM

To help you throw your next dinner party with ease (especially if your apartment has a dishwasher), I’m giving away one (1) Oneida Thatch White 16-piece dinnerware set (pictured above, ARV: $160) – which includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four mugs and four bowls, all dishwasher & microwave safe.

The Rules:

  • Leave a comment here that answers the following questions: what is your favorite way decorate for a  party?
  • Anonymous comments: leave your email address in the comment field so I can reach you.
  • This contest will close on Sunday, July 17 at 11:59PM CST and one winner, chosen via random.org, will be announced by Monday, July 18. I will notify you via email and you will have 72 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.
  • Contest open to US & Canada Residents only.

For Additional Entries:

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Oneida. I was not provided with complimentary product or compensation of any kind. The words and opinions expressed here are my own.

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143 Comments

  • Reply
    Courtney
    July 17, 2011 at 11:00 am

    I love decorating by theme. I usually have a goal set in mind before a party. (Food ie( Italian, Asian), Movie theme, Game night) My husband likes to do the music as well 🙂

  • Reply
    Claire @ Un Bello Aperitivo
    July 17, 2011 at 10:59 am

    I really like the idea of brown craft paper as a tablecloth. I like to wrap gifts in brown paper, but I’ve never thought of using it as a tablecloth.

    My favorite way to decorate for a party is to use clear shot glasses as place settings. Depending on the occasion of the party, I’ll fill them with sand and shells, water and a candle, or mini fresh flowers.

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    July 16, 2011 at 11:52 am

    I love decorating with a casual and relaxed feel. A handmade touch, like personalized place cards is always nice.

  • Reply
    Lenore
    July 15, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    I follow you on twitter (@orlndofoodie) and just tweeted your message 🙂

  • Reply
    Lenore
    July 15, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    I try to just let my food be the “decorations”…I’m always too rushed at the last minute when having people over to do too much planning. That said, I use my plating/food choices to convey the theme best I can. I do LOVE the idea of brown craft paper instead of a table cloth, though! 🙂

  • Reply
    Suziee
    July 15, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    I love switching out tablecloths, napkins and place mats to mix and match. Add some fresh cut flowers in the little square stubby vases and I’m good to go.

    Thanks!

  • Reply
    The Slow Roasted Italian
    July 15, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    Tweeted about your giveaway.

  • Reply
    The Slow Roasted Italian
    July 15, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    I like you on Facebook.

  • Reply
    The Slow Roasted Italian
    July 15, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    I love to decorate for a party with themes, but I have a lot more occasion parties than I do everyday dinner parties.

    I love elegant casual, beautifully set table with fancy dishware, napkins and flowers.

    I would love love love to have this dish set!!!

  • Reply
    sweetlife
    July 15, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    love your story and that your treasue is now your desk..i love throwing dinner parites and have often used canning jars and even wrapping paper as a tablecloth for a kids party!!

    love the tips

  • Reply
    Dana
    July 15, 2011 at 10:50 am

    I’m a fan of In Good Taste of Facebook!

  • Reply
    Dana
    July 15, 2011 at 10:47 am

    Wow, great post and great giveaway! My favorite way to decorate for a party is to get some fun tablecloths and paper plates from Party City, but having these would be way better!

  • Reply
    naomi
    July 15, 2011 at 9:26 am

    my favorite way to decorate a party is to use baby pictures or pictures known has since seen for napkin holders or for name tags. it starts the dinner party off with alot of conversations

  • Reply
    Sommer@ASpicyPerspective
    July 15, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Fun post and giveaway! I love using jars to decorate, so homey looking.

  • Reply
    Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
    July 15, 2011 at 8:17 am

    I loved to have my mom over and use the china and silver that she got for her wedding and passed on to me. I don’t use it often enough.

  • Reply
    Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
    July 15, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Hmm, my favorite way to decorate for a party. Probably would have to be the place settings. I love doing color-coordinated placemats and napkin rings and the like, plus little name cards to match the theme of whatever party I’m having (my favorite: tombstone-shaped name cards for the Halloween party my girlfriends and I threw this past fall!).

  • Reply
    Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
    July 15, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Already your fan on FB!

  • Reply
    Tara @ Chip Chip Hooray
    July 15, 2011 at 7:43 am

    I just tweeted the contest (and I follow you, of course!). 🙂

  • Reply
    Kitchen Belleicious
    July 15, 2011 at 7:27 am

    Okay, how exactly do I say this? Let see, YOUR AWESOME! Your tips, your ideas, your giveaways, your food. It is all amazing including your breathtaking photos. Am I sucking up enough yet? I just really want to win the giveaway! LOL!

    Seriously, love the commandments and the giveaway. I follow you on twitter and I am a fan of yours on fb. My favorite way to decorate is outside with tea candles and simple natural flowers

  • Reply
    Joanne
    July 15, 2011 at 7:05 am

    My kitchen is exactly like you described – tiny table that we rarely use. Sigh.

    i really love themed parties because they give you an excuse to go all-out with decorations! Last party we had was a mexican fiesta and there are still streamers hanging from out ceiling!

  • Reply
    Cristina
    July 15, 2011 at 6:43 am

    This has got to be one of the best giveaways! How fun and what a treat. 😉

    Luv the tip about using canning jars. They are so versatile, welcoming and so darn cute!

  • Reply
    Rosa
    July 15, 2011 at 4:02 am

    Great giveaway. A pity it is only open to US and Canada residents…

    Great tips! I only use a tablecloth for props… ;-P

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Reply
    sharonjo
    July 14, 2011 at 11:55 pm

    I follow In Good Taste on facebook.
    (Sharon O.)

  • Reply
    sharonjo
    July 14, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I just started following you on twitter (@sharonjo2)
    Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/sharonjo2/status/91731770994720770

  • Reply
    sharonjo
    July 14, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    I think a beautifully set table is about all the decoration you need for a party, along with a nice centerpiece like fresh flowers. Candles can be nice, but unscented only for a dinner party.

  • Reply
    Heidi @ Food Doodles
    July 14, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    Great giveaway! I love decorating seasonally, so flowers in the spring and summer etc. Especially when the food is local too it kind of sets the mood 🙂

  • Reply
    Angela
    July 14, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    Fresh flowers – but I also like a big bowl of fruit. Something natural.

  • Reply
    Tara
    July 14, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    I like to decorate with funky centerpieces. My mom and I get really creative and do all kinds of homemade ones!

  • Reply
    Anne @ Baking Me
    July 14, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    I am a fan on Facebook 🙂

  • Reply
    Raquel @ Erecipe
    July 14, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    whenever I throw parties with my friends my favorite flowers with candles on the table.

  • Reply
    alyssa - fashion fitness foodie
    July 14, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    We need new plates SO badly. My favorite way to decorate for a party is to use food as centerpieces!

  • Reply
    Roz
    July 14, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    Hi Maris, I LOVE decorating tables, even if it’s just my husband and I eating. I regularly scour thrift stores and have all kinds of table clothes and napkins in different colors and try to have some little decoration that fits with the food or the theme (for a party). And even if there are only 4 of us for dinner, I make little name plates. Just for fun…
    Have a great day!

  • Reply
    The Food Hunter
    July 14, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    I love to decorate with candles and fancy serving plates.

  • Reply
    Laurie @SimplyScratch
    July 14, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    Congrats on the Jamie Oliver Blog of the Month! You totally deserve it! 🙂

  • Reply
    Anne-Marie T
    July 14, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Shared with my FB friends
    http://www.facebook.com/annemarie.tvete/posts/223627531009136

  • Reply
    Anne-Marie T
    July 14, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    I am a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook. (Anne-Marie Tvete)

  • Reply
    Anne-Marie T
    July 14, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Following you on Twitter (amt946) and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/amt946/status/91570020374687744

  • Reply
    Anne-Marie T
    July 14, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    I usually keep the decorating very simple, with just a center piece on the table.

  • Reply
    Alana D
    July 14, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    My favorite way to decorate for a party…hmm it really depends on the party,but for the most part I like to keep it simple memorable.I don’t like to have so much silverware & utensils where ppl are asking “hey whats this do?”/”whats this for”. I like when the party is festive & colorful but not overdone.

  • Reply
    spcookiequeen
    July 14, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    Hi Maris,
    Pretty dishes, I just put out a pretty platter and filled it with finds from our local orchards. Are you on FB, i’ll post it there for you.
    -Gina-

  • Reply
    Caroline
    July 14, 2011 at 11:26 am

    My table rarely looks that gorgeous when I sit down for dinner. Only when I’m hosting a dinner party or back home at my parent’s house, well, or when I want to make the effort. Ha! Love this dinnerware set!

  • Reply
    Nicole
    July 14, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Although it isn’t technically a “decoration” I love making new playlists for a party or get together. There’s nothing better to set the mood than great music (and great food)

  • Reply
    Jessica
    July 14, 2011 at 11:05 am

    I love to decorate with COLOR. I think these dishes would be amazing to pair with colors that can change with the seasons.

    ~Jessica
    jlmumford@live.com

  • Reply
    Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen
    July 14, 2011 at 11:02 am

    I love to throw themed parties and use cute dishes, napkins, and decorations.

  • Reply
    chutneyandspice
    July 14, 2011 at 10:54 am

    I can’t enter as I am in the UK – but my favourite way to decorate a party is with friends! The table always looks so pretty before they arrive, but then when they arrive I forget the table and focus on how lucky I am to have lovely people in my life. The tableware looks gorgeous by the way.

  • Reply
    Lauren@LittleYellowKitchen
    July 14, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Chrissy and I have the saaaame problem. 1 year out of school and we eat sitting on the ground at our coffee table every night. Eek! Someday we will eat like normal people… at a table, with dinnerware. I like fun napkins to make a dinner party more exciting though!

  • Reply
    Nikki Redding
    July 14, 2011 at 10:48 am

    I haven’t thrown many parties where I needed to decorate. However, I would like to make table scapes like Sandara Lee 🙂

  • Reply
    Megan Sterner
    July 14, 2011 at 10:25 am

    I love decorating with cute dishes and placemats and napkins.

  • Reply
    Jennifer B
    July 14, 2011 at 10:24 am

    My favorite way to decorate for a party sounds weird, but it’s true. It’s to CLEAN! Nothing beats a clean and organized home! Once that is out of the way, then let your mind go crazy with actual decorating ideas!

  • Reply
    Brenda
    July 14, 2011 at 9:52 am

    I love to decorate using candles and canning jars for example at Christmas I used epsom salts and cranberries with tea candles in the jars

  • Reply
    peachkins
    July 14, 2011 at 9:41 am

    Oh my gosh, what a great giveaway and just what I need. But I’m not eligible cause I don’t live in the US..

    Anyway, My favorite way to decorate a party is by using quirky and fun serving plates and cooking cute dishes!

  • Reply
    Greg
    July 14, 2011 at 9:18 am

    Great post, but it makes me think of Princess Bride. I am not left handed. I always stick my napkin on the right. My favorite way to decorate for a party is to agree with every suggestion my wife has so that I can just continue cooking. Also, tablecloths are good. I refinished our dining room table.

  • Reply
    Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
    July 14, 2011 at 9:06 am

    I’m following you as 365 Days of Baking.

  • Reply
    Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
    July 14, 2011 at 9:01 am

    I like using white Christmas lights in my backyard and kitchen. It really creates a warm, comfy atmosphere and my guests love it.
    I really like your idea of using the brown craft paper as a tablecloth. Next time I’ll have to do that and put out crayons or markers to see how creative my guests get.

  • Reply
    Aparna E.
    July 14, 2011 at 8:50 am

    I’m fan on FB 🙂

  • Reply
    Aparna E.
    July 14, 2011 at 8:48 am

    I don’t entertain a ton, but I like to make things rustic and simple: add some height on one end of the table, or put a bunch of candles down the center to create an intimate feel. Use wine bottles as decor or herbs in jars as decor. The point is to have fun 🙂 Great giveaway!

  • Reply
    Casey
    July 14, 2011 at 8:46 am

    Fresh flowers and good background music are my favorite ways to have a fun night of entertaining friends!

  • Reply
    rebecca
    July 14, 2011 at 8:15 am

    need to decorate table more,

  • Reply
    Lori Reisig
    July 14, 2011 at 7:31 am

    I posted the give away on facebook too!! twice, accidentally!

  • Reply
    Lori Reisig
    July 14, 2011 at 7:30 am

    I “like” you on facebook!

  • Reply
    Lori Reisig
    July 14, 2011 at 7:08 am

    I tweeted! I love these dishes!!! thank you!

  • Reply
    Lori Reisig
    July 14, 2011 at 7:05 am

    I am following you on twitter!

  • Reply
    Lori Reisig
    July 14, 2011 at 7:05 am

    I have a small dining area and lots of kids, so I try to keep things simple and minimal. I add color and theme changing the table cloth often. I like it to match the season or holiday. I also love a candle on the table.

    I am nearly 50 years old and have never had a matching set of dishes. It would mean so much to win this beautiful collection. Thank you for offering it!!!

  • Reply
    Angie@Angiesrecipes
    July 14, 2011 at 6:49 am

    Clean and elegant dinnerware ;-))

  • Reply
    Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
    July 14, 2011 at 6:41 am

    And I now “like” you on Facebook!

  • Reply
    Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
    July 14, 2011 at 6:40 am

    I tweeted the giveaway, too!

  • Reply
    Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
    July 14, 2011 at 6:40 am

    I follow you on Twitter!

  • Reply
    Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
    July 14, 2011 at 6:40 am

    My favorite way to decorate for a party is to use a variety of pottery, so each person has different bowls and plates, but they all look similar in that they’re pretty earthy, natural, and they’ve been handmade. It’s an awesome conversation starter! 🙂

  • Reply
    Barbara
    July 14, 2011 at 6:25 am

    I’m smiling ’cause I live alone and my table NEVER looks like that! 🙂
    But when company comes, I wander the house, pulling antiques and whatever to make the tabletop more interesting. Placemats always.

  • Reply
    Blond Duck
    July 14, 2011 at 6:13 am

    I love using canning jars!

  • Reply
    Nichole
    July 14, 2011 at 6:10 am

    With food, music, wine and the laughter of friends the rest just really isn’t that important. =) We like to keep it simple and causal around here but I would have to say that candles and lighting are the easiest way to set or change a mood. Even outside on the patio tea lights sitting inside of old canning jars make for a great show after the sun sets.

  • Reply
    Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
    July 14, 2011 at 2:49 am

    Great tips Maris! I love using jars, they’re so rustic and gorgeous 😀

  • Reply
    yummychunklet
    July 14, 2011 at 1:27 am

    If it’s not a party around a holiday, I love using decorations and dinnerware that contrast against the food I’m serving. Just to mix it up.

  • Reply
    sheila @ Elements
    July 13, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    We live in such a small apartment that we don’t have a dining room table. We do have a bar though so we could eat there; however, my DIY studio box where I do most of my food photography is right in front of the bar. So we eat at our desks. It works out fine, and if we have guests over, we eat at the bar. It’s pretty cramped, but that’s just how it is.

    Love your idea about using jars, by the way! 🙂

  • Reply
    Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
    July 13, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    Fresh flowers, simple place settings and good food! I love your entertaining tips. 🙂

  • Reply
    Baking Serendipity
    July 13, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    Fresh flowers and a candle burning near the entrance to the house are two of my entertaining habits. I love your tips here!

  • Reply
    Kay
    July 13, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    I love to have little personalized items for dinners for each of my guests – last time the guest of honor got a mini champagne bottle with a ribbon on it :o)

  • Reply
    Elle @ We can begin to feed...
    July 13, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    Just found your lovely blog!

    I love to decorated with fresh flowers and candles… and often like to use a theme.

    When we have parties on the boat, it is usually something nautical…. tropical island, pirates, etc.

  • Reply
    Emily
    July 13, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    i like a simple vase of flowers or a pretty centerpiece. mostly i like to decorate with good friends and laughter.

  • Reply
    Kristin
    July 13, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I love to decorate to match the theme of the party. A fondue party isn’t complete without 70’s decorations/music, a vegetarian meal comes with displayable fruits and vegetables and Wine and Cheese night is always paired with regional decorations from the area the or cheese comes from.

  • Reply
    Ali Grace
    July 13, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    Liked you on facebook!

  • Reply
    Ali Grace
    July 13, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    Retweeted your giveaway!

  • Reply
    Leanne
    July 13, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I like to put brightly colored piece of fabric on a small table to add a pop of color to a party. My current favorite is a fuschia scarf I picked up in Mexico.

  • Reply
    Ali Grace
    July 13, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    I love fresh flowers on a table. They’re my favorite thing! I like to keep things simple and not too perfect. Pretty plates, cloth napkins… but not too matchy. Just easy, comfortable, and ready to have a good time!

  • Reply
    Lisa at Dishes of Mrs. Fish
    July 13, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    I actually used canning jars to decorate for my reception! We had a very limited budget and I used smaller canning jars and filled them with gerbera daises and LOVED the way they looked!

  • Reply
    lisa keys
    July 13, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Fresh flowers and the good china–it does no good just looking pretty in the china cabinet-right?….and who cares if it gets chipped or broken

  • Reply
    Simply Life
    July 13, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    Fun giveaway! I like to “decorate” but using lamps and candles for lighting and fresh flowers!

  • Reply
    katelin
    July 13, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    oh man what a fabulous giveaway. i love hosting parties and my favorite way to decorate is with twinkle lights and lighting a lot of candles and using cloth napkins to jazz the place up a bit. love it.

  • Reply
    lynn @ the actor's diet
    July 13, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    i feel like no party is complete without flowers!

  • Reply
    Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    July 13, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    FB fan

  • Reply
    Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    July 13, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    what is your favorite way decorate for a party? = make lots of desserts and decorate my table with them!

  • Reply
    Tanvi@SinfullySpicy
    July 13, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    Love all the tips that you shared in this post on setting a table..So useful!

  • Reply
    Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
    July 13, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    I didn’t mean to hit submit so you can delete the one above if you need to. I love this post. The dishes are awesome. My favorite decorating tip is “keep it simple”. Those dishes would go great with that theme. I tweeted and am following you all over town (just kidding). I also sent you an email the other day -am not sure if you received it.

  • Reply
    Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
    July 13, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    super fun post! Great tips!

  • Reply
    mzt1
    July 13, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    I just tweeted about the giveaway 🙂

  • Reply
    Lisa from Lisas Yarns
    July 13, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    For me, it’s all about flowers! I am not good at decorating, but I love me some fresh flowers!

    I have recently purchased some Fiestaware (with the help of Mandy of Knowing the Difference) so I finally have a table that I am proud of when I have others over for dinner. And I have gotten better at eating at the table instead of on my couch lately!

    I’d love to come to a dinner party at your place because what you described sounds like my ideal night! I am so excited to be in a larger place in a central location as I will def host more dinner parties. Heck, I hosted a couple for dinner the weekend i moved in, so that is a sign of what is to come I think. 🙂

  • Reply
    Junia @ Mis Pensamientos
    July 13, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    hmm for me it’s all about the food presentation and i always have flowers!!! 😀

  • Reply
    sarah
    July 13, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    I’m now a FB fan.

  • Reply
    sarah
    July 13, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    My favorite way to decorate for a party is using what I already have, or finding old pieces at thrift stores. I’m a big fan of the canning jar thing you mentioned. I love drinking wine out of small jam jars. I like using paper to decorate with too – paper lanterns, pretty paper in mason jars, tissue paper pom poms.

    I like your craft paper idea. I think for one of the kids birthdays I’ll try that and decorate the table with jars of crayons and markers.

  • Reply
    Sarah @ pão e queijo
    July 13, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    I am a fan of In Good Taste on FB.

  • Reply
    Sarah @ pão e queijo
    July 13, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    I’m pretty casual about entertaining- what’s most important are good friends, good food and good conversation. I love pretty serving dishes and usually let guests help themselves, or do it buffet style. Beautiful dinnerware set!

  • Reply
    kankana
    July 13, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    tweet about this giveaway and now I really really hope I win .. fingers crossed ! 🙂

  • Reply
    kankana
    July 13, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    following u in twitter

  • Reply
    kankana
    July 13, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    following u in FB

  • Reply
    kankana
    July 13, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    My fav way to decorate a party is with a flower center piece .. candles around .. and casual ambiance.

  • Reply
    juju
    July 13, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    I like to keep my table simple. I don’t have much dinneware and my one set that is all white helps with my simple and clean look.

  • Reply
    Kitten with a Whisk
    July 13, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    I love using lights for setting the mood. And I also choose a color to create a general theme.

  • Reply
    Nami @ Just One Cookbook
    July 13, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    I’m already your fan on Facebook!

  • Reply
    Nami @ Just One Cookbook
    July 13, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Just tweeted and I’m already your follower.

  • Reply
    Nami @ Just One Cookbook
    July 13, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    What a helpful post! I wish my table is like that… Okay here we go. I’m going to win this! My favorite method: 1) decorate with colorful flower (use theme color) – I separated into several small vases and place them on the table and elsewhere (even bathroom). 2) I decorate table with some food theme object…Japanese then I put natural rocks and origami crane etc.

  • Reply
    Mary
    July 13, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    My table, even when set forguests is very S spartan. I have love pure white china and the color on my table when I choose to vary from all white comes with flowers and napkins. The setting you photographed looks wonderful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  • Reply
    Kelly
    July 13, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    Favorite way to decorate? I like to get crafty. I know how to sew and inhereted a lot of vintage fabrics from my grandma so I like to use them in various ways like making strips to group together little bundles of silverware.

    I’m yearning for a proper dining room table. I’m just waiting to finally own a place for it to become a reality. ::Fingers crossed::

  • Reply
    Art Rodriguez
    July 13, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    I stopped hassling with “table-scapes” since my dining room is not terribly close to the big wide open kitchen; my guests & I develop separation anxiety. Plus, it’s no fun to cook alone in a big kitchen. My small dinner parties happen in the kitchen. Obviously it’s not as big a space so I have to worry about keeping my kitchen island & bar clutter free so my guests can spread out for more intimate gatherings. I always have fresh flowers and unscented candles sprinkled throughout the area. I do use old canning jars to hold the silverware & rolled napkins. There might be a small wicker basket for fresh bread or rolls. Plates are usually handed out as I serve each guest. I fuss with little else. It’s often cramped at the kitchen island, but I’ve had many great meals and conversation sitting cheek to cheek with my close friends.

    For larger holiday parties I use the dining room. I stick with solid festive colors and avoid most holiday patterns. This way I can switch out the colors for different holidays: Cinco de Mayo & Christmas = red, white & green, Valentine’s Day = red, white from previous set up, St. Patrick’s = green & white, etc. I try to mix it up by adding new & different shades, but for the most part it’s an easy system. It’s always an easy set up and I can focus on my cooking and my guests.

  • Reply
    sharon
    July 13, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    fav way to decorate is with flowers and pretty placemats..

  • Reply
    natalie (the sweets life)
    July 13, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    great tips in your post! my favorite decorating tip is probably fresh flowers! can’t go wrong!

  • Reply
    bellini
    July 13, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I love to have a centerpiece of seasonal fruits and veggies as a centerpiece, whatever is in season., or perhaps a big bright bowl of lemons or oranges.

  • Reply
    mommydoll13
    July 13, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    follow you on twitter
    @mommyluck13
    sha t
    dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/mommyluck13/status/91226410525536256

  • Reply
    mommydoll13
    July 13, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    lots of balloons and flowers.

    and tons of food as i think that is part of the decor too..
    dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Reply
    Nelly Rodriguez
    July 13, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    I shared on FB 🙂

  • Reply
    Nelly Rodriguez
    July 13, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    I like you on FB

  • Reply
    Nelly Rodriguez
    July 13, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I tweeted and follow you!

  • Reply
    Nelly Rodriguez
    July 13, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Favorite way to decorate? Simple but homey, love using jars like you said; candles always are nice as well, and a like having a little beverage table to the side if I can (since I’ve never had a built in bar at home!)

  • Reply
    Kristin
    July 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I also now follow In Good Taste on Facebook!

  • Reply
    Kristin
    July 13, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    Following you on Twitter! (And Tweeted about the giveaway, of course!)

  • Reply
    Kristin
    July 13, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    My favorite way to decorate for a party is with a bright tablecloth! It’s easy and festive!

  • Reply
    Megan'sCookin'
    July 13, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    I’m a fan on Facebook too.

  • Reply
    Megan'sCookin'
    July 13, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted.

  • Reply
    megan carroll
    July 13, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    that dinnerware looks simply fabulous…. we have always lived in small dim places, so clusters of candles are a favourite of mine…. lit or unlit.

  • Reply
    Stephen Chavez
    July 13, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    My favorite way to decorate my dinner table is to bring the theme of the cuisine being served into elements of the decor. For example, if I am making Mexican food, I will have a runner with a colorful serape (blanket), chili peppers and even vases filled with dry pinto beans with gorgeous flowers.

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    July 13, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    I love using candle light for any occasion. Simple tea lights can add a warm effect to any dinner and also give the table and environment a more intimate feel. Dressing up or surrounding walls with tiny color lights or using ceiling candle holders can be festive or welcoming as well.

  • Reply
    Susan Ayers
    July 13, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I also shared this on FB

  • Reply
    Megan'sCookin'
    July 13, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    I usually decorate following some sort of theme. Beach theme, Wine theme, or holiday theme are a few such occasions. Great tips and beautiful dishes!

  • Reply
    Susan Ayers
    July 13, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    I tweeted this:

    http://twitter.com/#!/suegirls/status/91216026414493696

  • Reply
    Erica
    July 13, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    whoop! I’m having people over tonight- so this was helpful for me 🙂 I love mismatched dinnerware! I think it makes a table a lot more fun. This set would be PERFECT to easily add in for a matched but mismatched look.

    what is your favorite way decorate for a party?
    I like to mix black and white with color. I also mix shapes and sizes of dinnerware! Josh likes everything to match so I think it may drive him a little nutso 😉

  • Reply
    Susan Ayers
    July 13, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I liked In Good Taste on FB… that’s how I found out about the giveaway..

  • Reply
    Susan Ayers
    July 13, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I love decorating with light colors and natural lighting…

  • Reply
    Amanda
    July 13, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I’m a Facebook fan!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    July 13, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I follow you and tweeted this!

  • Reply
    Olga @ mangotomato
    July 13, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I already follow you on twitter

  • Reply
    Amanda
    July 13, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I love themed parties – the food, decor, music etc setting a feeling. Makes for great conversation too!!

  • Reply
    Olga @ mangotomato
    July 13, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I love decorating with flowers. And mixing and matching dishes from different sets in different colors.

    Actually, I don’t have a single matching set: just 2 or 4 different dishes I use for my food photography 😉

    So I really could use this pretty set!! {hint, hint, choose me!}

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