How to Prep Your Dining Room for Entertaining

Whether you’re decking out your dining room for the holidays or a brunch or shower, preparing your dining room for entertaining is always a joyous affair. That said, it’s easy to get bogged down by the little details, including questions about what’s actually a necessity — are candles a must? Or would you be better off prepping place cards? Here, we break it all down for you with four dining room décor ideas that are perfect for readying your dining room for guests!

Mandala Drinking Glasses, Pinks an…

Try a Tablecloth

Among the easiest ways to transform your everyday dining table into a festive scene? Top it with a tablecloth. A patterned tablecloth instantly signals a party. Pick one with a riotous pattern to disassociate from the everyday and usher in a celebratory air. Even without any other adornment, an extroverted tablecloth can pretty much carry a party on its own.

Prettify Your Plates

There’s no need to splurge on an entire set of dinnerware for entertaining. Instead, look for accents to gussy up white everyday dinnerware. Appetizer plates, sourced in a color that complements your theme, can be placed atop simple white dinner plates, or decorative chargers or placemats could be place underneath. In the absence of either, colorful place cards or a few flowers tied with string can also enliven basic white dinner plates.

Class Up Your Glassware

Clinking glassware is a signature of celebratory occasions, so why not make sure yours feel extra special? Colored goblets and coupes radiate festive energy, as do champagne flutes in any color. Especially if you’re opting for everyday dinnerware for a party, colored glassware can be just the thing to punch it up.

Cast it in Candlelight

Party pros always advocate for ambient light when entertaining, so it’s worth considering incorporating candlelight when prepping your dining room for entertaining. Whether it’s tall tapers on the table itself or tea lights lined up on a buffet, a little flicker can fill a dining room with an atmospheric mood.